The Structure of Empirical Science: Local and Global

Publisher Summary The chapter outlines a method of describing the logical structure of related empirical theories employing a concept of intertheoretical link. The global structure of empirical science is represented as a net of linked theories. The “content” of such a net is the class of all structured arrays of individuals that are consistent with the theories and links in the net. This concept of “content” is used to formulate local empirical claims of theories in a net without formulating a global claim for the net. Characterizations of the distinction between theoretical and non-theoretical concepts, relative to a given theory, and the intended applications of a theory are provided. The fundamental concept of intertheoretical link is a generalization and clarification of the concept of “bridge laws” as discussed in the chapter.