On Testability in Empirical Sciences

Abstract

Statements of empirical sciences —sentences stating results of observations, hypotheses and laws—can be justified by testing them. Testing such statements is a form of probabilistic reasoning, which has been given a modern shape in the investigations of J. M. Keynes, J. Nicod and others. It utilizes the concept of empirical probability, and distinguishes the probability of events and the probability of sentences. In order to determine the probability of an event one must include it into the set of events in terms of which its probability is to be determined. In order to determine the probability of a sentence, by means of which a statement is made about a probable event, one must generalize the logical relation of implication and define the probabilistic implication.

First published in Revue Internationale de Philosophie 17-18 (1951). Translated by S. Wojnicki.