Abstract
Based on the method of statistical-causal analysis (Salmon 1970; Stegmüller 1973) Hans Westmeyer has presented in this journal (1975, pp. 57–86) an algorithmic construction of the diagnostic process which he considers as a suitable prescription for the course of the diagnostics. In this paper it is shown that both statistical-causal analysis and the diagnostic algorithm of Westmeyer cannot be viewed as conclusive solutions to problems associated with the diagnostics.
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References
Koertge, N. (1975), ‘An exploration of Salmon's S-R Model of Explanation’, Philosophy of Science 42, 270–274.
Salmon, W. C. (1970), ‘Statistical Explanation’, in R. G. Colodny (ed.), The Nature and Function of Scientific Theories, Pittsburgh, pp. 173–231.
Stegmüller, W. (1973), Probleme und Resultate der Wissenschaftstheorie und Analytischen Philosophie, Vol. IV, second half of volume: ‘Statistisches Schlieβen - Statistische Begründung - Statistische Analyse’. Berlin.
Westmeyer, H. (1972), Logik der Diagnostik: Grundlagen einer normativen Diagnostik, Stuttgart.
— (1974), ‘Statistische Analysen in der psychologischen Diagnostik’, Diagnostica 20, 31–42.
— (1975) ‘The Diagnostic Process as a Statistical-Causal Analysis’, Theory and Decision 6, 57–86.
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Sadegh-Zadeh, K. On the limits of the statistical-causal analysis as a diagnostic procedure. Theor Decis 9, 93–107 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00138121
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00138121