Theoria (Jan 2010)

Defending the structural concept of representation

  • Andreas BARTELS

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1387/theoria.550
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 7 – 19

Abstract

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The paper defends the structural concept of representation, defined by homomorphisms, against the main objections that have been raised against it: Logical objections, the objection from misrepresentation, the objection from failing necessity, and the copy theory objection. Homomorphic representations are not necessarily ‘copies’ of their representanda, and thus can convey scientific insight.

Keywords