Physicalism reduces scientific theories to formal systems of signs for application

Evidence

Neurath and Carnap were singled out for their defense of physicalism: the view that scientific theories are little more than a formal system of signs with their corresponding rules for application—a “practical analog” to social reality. — Dieter Plehwe, Quinn Slobodian & Philip Mirowski (eds.), Nine Lives of Neoliberalism, 60

Categorization

• DEFINE: Provides a compact definition of physicalism as understood by Neurath and Carnap’s opponents.
• XREF: connects to: Theory must prove itself theoretically rather than gesture toward practice — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1202; Facts become science only when tied together by explanatory theory; Descartes’ certainty program reduced nature to quantifiable primary qualities — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology,…, 795

Broader Connections

• Theory must prove itself theoretically rather than gesture toward practice #complicates (0.80) — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1202
• Facts become science only when tied together by explanatory theory #expands (0.75)