
Published online:
01 November 2003
Published in print:
02 November 1989
Online ISBN:
9780191597459
Print ISBN:
9780198248606
Contents
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1. Phenomena, Data, and Theories 1. Phenomena, Data, and Theories
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2. From the Axiomatic to the Semantic Approach 2. From the Axiomatic to the Semantic Approach
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3. Theory Structure: Models and Their Logical Space 3. Theory Structure: Models and Their Logical Space
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4. What Is Interpretation? the Three‐Tiered Theory 4. What Is Interpretation? the Three‐Tiered Theory
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5. Theorizing: Data Models and Theoretical Models 5. Theorizing: Data Models and Theoretical Models
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6. Experimentation: As Test and as Means of Inquiry 6. Experimentation: As Test and as Means of Inquiry
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Chapter
9 Introduction to the Semantic Approach
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Pages
217–232
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Published:November 1989
Cite
Fraassen, Bas C. van, 'Introduction to the Semantic Approach', Laws and Symmetry, Clarendon Paperbacks (Oxford , 1989; online edn, Oxford Academic, 1 Nov. 2003), https://doi.org/10.1093/0198248601.003.0009, accessed 6 May 2025.
Abstract
This approach, developed (under various names) in the twentieth century provides a model‐oriented view, identifying scientific theories in terms of classes of models and their relation to both nature and to the observable phenomena. Originally, it was offered in reaction to the syntactic, axiomatic view of theories that dominated logical positivist discussions of science; it has the merit of being equally hospitable to scientific realist and empiricist views. This chapter discusses specifically, theory structure, the relation between theoretical models and data models, interpretations of theories, and the many‐faceted character of experimentation.
Keywords:
data models, empiricism, experimentation, models, phenomena, scientific realism, semantic approach, theories
Collection:
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