The Problem of Reference of Theoretical Terms and the Dynamics of Scientific Knowledge

摘要

The elements of the program for the substantiation of scientific knowledge proposed by logical positivism were the dichotomy of the scientific theory's proposals for analytical and synthetic, as well as the cumulative model for the development of scientific knowledge. The result of the criticism of these elements of the program of logical positivism was the confirmations about the complete incompatibility of alternating theories and the impossibility of distinguishing between analytical and synthetic statements in their composition. This paper substantiates the point of view that such radical conclusions are erroneous. One of the reasons for such conclusions is not sufficiently accurate consideration of the intentional and extensional characteristics of the concepts included in the assumptions of the theory. The use of modern methods of logical analysis and some systems of non-classical logic allows successfully solving a number of methodological problems posed in the program of logical positivism.