The Philosophical Relevance of Representation Theorems
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{'SignBlockName': 'Ronald J. Overmann', 'PO_EMAI': None, 'PO_PHON': None}
A representation theorem is a formal device which shows us that,                if a set of consequences of a theory obeys certain formal                       constraints, then this set of consequences can be embedded in a                 broader theory in a way which is unique up to a specified range                 of transformations.  Representation theorems have played an                     important role in theories of measurement, in theories of                       probability, and in theories of the structure of spacetime.                     There have been numerous attempts to derive important                           philosophical consequences from the existence (or non-existence)                of representation theorems.  Some who advocate the relationist                  position in the theory of spacetime believe that relationism                    stands or falls with the possibility of proving a representation                theorem.  Some nominalists believe that representation theorems                 are essential to their eliminativist program.  Professor Sklar                  will examine under this research grant many of the important                    philosophical issues which need careful explanation here.  How                  are representation theorems related to more familiar arguments                  from simplicity of science?  Are special modal notions necessary                in the eliminativist programs which rely on representation                      theorems?  How is the instability of representation theorems                    under change of theory relevant to an evaluation of their                       philosophical importance.
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{'Code': '1353', 'Text': 'Hist & Philosophy of SET'}
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