•  35
    Scientific models are often said to be more or less general depending on how many cases they cover. In this paper we argue that the cardinality of cases is insufficient as a metric of generality, and we present a novel account based on measure theory. This account overcomes several problems with the cardinality approach, and additionally provides some insight into the nature of assessments of generality. Specifically, measure theory affords a natural and quantitative way of describing local spac…Read more
  •  655
    On two mathematical definitions of observational equivalence: Manifest isomorphism and epsilon-congruence reconsidered
    Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 44 (2): 69-76. 2013.
    In this article I examine two mathematical definitions of observational equivalence, one proposed by Charlotte Werndl and based on manifest isomorphism, and the other based on Ornstein and Weiss’s ε-congruence. I argue, for two related reasons, that neither can function as a purely mathematical definition of observational equivalence. First, each definition permits of counterexamples; second, overcoming these counterexamples will introduce non-mathematical premises about the systems in question.…Read more
  •  261
    Marc Lange. Laws and Lawmakers: Science, Metaphysics, and the Laws of Nature
    Spontaneous Generations 4 (1): 266-269. 2010.
    In Laws and Lawmakers: Science, Metaphysics, and the Laws of Nature, Marc Lange has presented an engagingly written, tightly argued, and novel philosophical account of the laws of nature. One of the intuitions behind the notion of a law of nature is, roughly, that of the many regularities we observe in the world there are some which appear to be due to mere happen-stance (“accidental” regularities, in the philosopher’s jargon), while others, which we call “laws,” seem to be possessed of a degree…Read more
  •  23
    On two mathematical definitions of observational equivalence: Manifest isomorphism and reconsidered
    Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 44 (2): 69-76. 2013.
    In this paper I examine two mathematical definitions of observational equivalence, one proposed by Charlotte Werndl and based on manifest isomorphism, and the other based on Ornstein and Weiss's ε-congruenceε-congruence. I argue, for two related reasons, that neither can function as a purely mathematical definition of observational equivalence. First, each definition permits of counterexamples; second, overcoming these counterexamples will introduce non-mathematical premises about the systems in…Read more