CEFISES Seminar: Eran Tal, « Measurement, Prediction, and Fact »

Livestream https://www.youtube.com/@CEFISES

Series: MEPHISTO (MEtaphysics and PHIlosophy of Science: Transcendental Orientations)

Speaker: Eran Tal (McGill University)

Title: « Measurement, Prediction, and Fact »

Abstract

Measurement is taken to provide knowledge of the way things are, and not merely of the way things would or could be under some specified set of conditions. In this regard, measurement is epistemically distinct from other forms of quantitative estimation, such as prediction and calculation. Nonetheless, measurement depends on theoretical and statistical assumptions and on idealized models that are themselves only testable through further measurements. This introduces a threat of infinite regress against attempts to justify the factual status of measurement results. I offer a novel pragmatist solution to the riddle of factuality. According to this solution, the presentation of measurement results as factual statements is a pragmatic choice. This choice is justified, not by any special ability of measurement to detect and isolate empirical structures, signals, or causes, but by the convenience of expressing knowledge claims in the most modular way that is fit for the purpose at hand.