Neil Dewar (Cambridge): “Equivalence and Convention”
BBLOC Seminar

Thursday 17 March 2022, 4:30pm
K2.40, King’s College London Strand Campus, Strand, WC2R 2LS
Please register here

Abstract: In this paper, I discuss the relationship between theoretical equivalence and convention. After reviewing the idea that when we disagree over a (mere) convention, we are advocating theoretically equivalent descriptions, I consider the possibility of conventions about equivalence – i.e., conventions as to what standard of theoretical equivalence should be adopted. I argue that Carnap’s Principle of Tolerance illuminates what to say about such cases, despite initial impressions to the contrary.