Ideal Types and Scientific Theories

Author: Giovanni Camardi

Source: Poznan Studies in the Philosophy of the Sciences and the Humanities, Idealization XI: Historical Studies on Abstraction and Idealization. Edited by Francesco Coniglione, Roberto Poli and Robin Rollinger , pp. 273-285(13)

Publisher: Rodopi

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Abstract:

In this work I will put forward the idea that Max Weber's conception of the "ideal type" may have a role in the process aimed at formulating a reliable concept of scientific law and scientific theory. The connection between Weber, theorist of socio–historical science, and postpositivist philosophy of science has been made possible by Carl Hempel, who grasped the importance of Weber's work and, at the same time, interpreted the movement towards modernization of neo-empiricism by supporting the passage to a semantic conception of scientific theories. I will therefore analyze the role of idealizing procedure in the formation of theoretical entities and in the process of organization and coordination of laws that govern complex causal systems.

Document Type: Case report

Publication date: 2004-07-01