The Force of T-Theoreticity and the Ramsey-View Emended. Non-Statement View₂ and Non-Statement View_2,5

Abstract

As I stated previously, there is a passage in Sneed’s [48], p. 132, which most readers find incomprehensible. Having stated the thesis that theoretical concepts are used in science as described by the Ramsey method, Sneed continues: “This is an empirical claim about how science is actually practiced. It must, of course, be defended against alternatives … But it need not be defended against objections that the Ramsey method is in some way epistemologically suspect. That empirical scientists do not live up to someones favorite epistemological credo is for them to defend, not me.” (my italics). In other words: whoever has objections against the Ramsey method, should address himself to the scientists but not to the philosopher of science. Here we have the usual reaction to this: “Surely Sneed does not seriously mean that! The Ramsey method is a philosopher’s invention and, what is more, a very artificial one. If there exists an activity at all by means of which the philosophers meddle in things they are not really competent in, and which therefore is in need of careful justification, then it is the construction of Ramsey sentences.”