Theory evolution and reference kinematics (Q1180242)

The paper provides a simultaneous model for theory evolution and reference determination in science which is based on the so-called structuralist view in the philosophy of science. The basic unit of theory evolution is a ``theory holon'', i.e. a connected net of ``theory- elements'' which are interrelated by ``external links''. The state of a holon at time \(t\) is described by a ``state vector'' whose components may change over time. Every term in the holon is equipped with a local and a global ``reference spectrum''. The notion of reference spectra has first been introduced by \textit{W. Balzer}, the author and \textit{G. Zoubek} [Synthese 79, 319-360 (1989)] and by the author [Erkenntnis 30, 339-362 (1989); see also the author, ``Physical constants and reference dynamics'', Z. Allgem. Wissenschaftstheorie (to appear)]. The size of the reference spectrum is considered as a measure for the underdetermination of a term's reference by theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence at time \(t\). The size of a reference spectrum may change over time. The author provides a series of theorems and proofs which indicate the direction of change (increasing or decreasing reference spectra) under different assumptions on the evolution of the state vector of the underlying theory holon.