Abstract. In this paper I discuss the Newman problem in the context of
contemporary epistemic structural realism (ESR). I formulate Newman’s objection
in terms that apply to today’s ESR and then evaluate a defence of ESR based on
Carnap’s use of Ramsey sentences and Hilbert’s ε-operator. I show that this
defence improves the situation by allowing a formal stipulation of non-structural
constraints. However, it fails short of achieving object individuation in the context
of satisfying the Ramsified form of a theory. Thus, while limiting the scope of
Newman’s argument, Carnap sentences do not fully solve the problem.
Keywords: epistemic structural realism, Newman problem, Ramseification,
ε-operator, individuation.
REFERENCES
Chakravartty, A. (2003). The structuralist conception of objects.
Philosophy of Science, 70: 867-878.
Friedman, M. (2011). Carnap on theoretical terms. Structuralism
without metaphysics. http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/4656/1
/FriedmanCarnapTT.final.pdf.
Ladyman, J. (1998). What is structural realism. Studies in History
and Philosophy of Science Part A 29 (3): 409-424.
Ladyman, J. (2014). Structural Realism. The Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy, Edward N. Zalta (ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/
archives/spr2014/entries/structural-realism/.
Psillos, S. (2000a). Rudolf Carnap’s theoretical concepts in science.
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science 31 (1): 151-172.
Psillos, S. (2000b). Carnap, the Ramsey-sentence and realistic
empiricism. Erkenntnis 52: 253-279.
Russell, B. (1905). On denoting. Mind 14 (56): 479-493.