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Scientific Truth. Instrumentalism: theoretical entities are simply practical means for making predictions; they do not describe extra-theoretical realities Parallels Pragmatic theory of truth Realism: claims about theoretical entities are true only if they describe the real world
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Scientific Truth • Instrumentalism: theoretical entities are simply practical means for making predictions; they do not describe extra-theoretical realities • Parallels Pragmatic theory of truth • Realism: claims about theoretical entities are true only if they describe the real world • Parallels Correspondence theory of truth • Conceptual Relativism: claims about reality are intelligible only in terms of the theoretical frameworks in which observations are made • Parallels Coherence theory of truth
Hermeneutics:The Study of Interpretation To determine truth in texts and actions, we have to interpret them (literally, symbolically) • Schleiermacher: a true interpretation reveals the historical author’s real intentions • Early Wittgenstein: propositions that really picture the structure of the world are true • Later Wittgenstein: meaning varies with use in life • Gadamer: our interpretations combine our “prejudices” and authorial intentions (1768-1834) (1889-1951)