Problems With Formal Models Of Epistemic Entrenchment As Applied To Scientific Theories

摘要: Formal models of theory contraction entered the philosophicalliterature with prototype model by Alchourron, Gardenfors,and Makinson (Alchourron et al. 1985). One influential modelinvolves respect to a relation calledepistemic entrenchment which orders propositions theoryaccording their relative degrees theoretical importance.Various postulates have been suggested for characterizingepistemic formally. I argue here that threesuggested produce inappropriately bizarre results whenapplied scientific theories. callednoncovering, continuing up, and down, implyrespectively that, (i) no law is more epistemicallyentrenched than any its instances, (ii) two distinct instances ofthe same must different epistemicentrenchment, (iii) laws differentdegrees epistemic entrenchment. also continuingup down each lead incoherency.