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Logical Positivism: Scientific Theory

AustinK February 11, 2020 at 22:32 1450 views 2 comments
Reflecting on the central tenets of Logical Positivism, would the Logical Positivist say that it is possible for us to know that a scientific theory about unobservable things (e.g., electrons) is correct?

Comments (2)

Qwex February 11, 2020 at 22:47 #381508
Yes, because a Logical Positivist is fulfilled by logic. Electrons can be analyzed by mind, just not captured by the senses. Quote on quote - like the atom.
David Mo February 12, 2020 at 08:13 #381681
It is a myth that logical positivists denied the existence of unobservable entities. I'm traveling now. Tomorrow I'll be home and give the exact quotation.
For the moment: the existence of theoretical entities is guaranteed by the criterion of verification. If the theory is verified, the elements it contains are also verified.