Introduction to PhilosophyNotesThis is not a substitute for coming to class - or for reading the material. Richard Lee
Philosophy 2003 C 001Copyright © 2002, Richard Lee Autumn 2002
 

Theory-Ladenness Against Objectivity
Levin is again playing devil's advocate:

"The next argument rests on ... the view [from Norwood Russell Hansen] that theory influences observation to such an extent that the two cannot be distinguished. Two observers with different theories will allegedly disagree on what is supposed to be a common data base. Furthermore, on this view, it is impossible to even experience data without unconsciously interpreting them according to some theory. It is therefore impossible to achieve a neutral perspective from which to judge competing theories." (P 214bf)

Levin's critique:

"[T]he argument in this particular case fails because one of its premises is false. In spite of holding different theories, observers will see the same thing." (P 215a)


Richard Lee, rlee@uark.edu, last modified: 29 October 2002