Intertheoretic Reduction
Intertheoretic Reduction
We reconsider the Generalized Nagel-Schaffner (GNS) model of reduction and argue that, contrary to a widely held view, it is the right analysis of intertheoretic reduction. In particular, it provides a convincing analysis of the reductive relationship between statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Then we proceed to a Bayesian analysis of the epistemic value of reduction, showing that intertheoretic (GNS) reduction facilitates flow of confirmation between the reducing and the reduced theory. Specifically, we show that evidence which prior to reduction supported only one of the theories, comes to support the other theory as well. Moreover, a successful reduction increases both the prior and posterior probability of the conjunction of both theories.
Keywords: Intertheoretic reduction, Nagel-Schaffner model of reduction, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, Bayesian Networks, flow of confirmation
Oxford Scholarship Online requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books within the service. Public users can however freely search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter.
Please, subscribe or login to access full text content.
If you think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.
To troubleshoot, please check our FAQs , and if you can't find the answer there, please contact us .