The Ramsey View Emended

Abstract

A third proposal for using set-theoretic predicates to make empirical claims is considered in this chapter. This proposal is an emendation of the Ramsey view considered in the preceding chapter. It succeeds in avoiding the problem of theoretical terms in the same way as the Ramsey solution. The question of eliminability of theoretical terms arises in essentially the same way. However, this proposal goes beyond the Ramsey solution in providing an account for non-trivial measurements of theoretical function values. In addition, this proposal provides the key to a precise understanding of some other features of theories of mathematical physics — for example, the role of crucial experiments in the rejection of such theories.