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    Notational equivalence between theories with identical de... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→The notational consequentializer is justified in accepting the first premise that any non-consequentialist theory can be recast as an act-consequentialist theory with equivalent deontic verdicts.

    Notational equivalence between theories with identical deontic verdicts is insufficient for theoretical identity when the theories diverge in their modal and explanatory commitments.

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    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Theories with divergent modal commitments make different claims about necessity/possibility, which constitutes genuinely distinct theoretical content.
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    • 2.Explanatory power is a fundamental criterion for theory choice in philosophy; identical verdicts paired with different explanations represent substantively different theories.
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    • 3.Notational equivalence is a surface-level property; depth of theory includes metaphysical and explanatory architecture, not just output verdicts.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.If two theories produce identical deontic verdicts in all possible cases, their modal commitments are functionally indistinguishable for normative purposes.
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    • 2.Explanatory divergence without behavioral/verdictive divergence may reflect interpretive differences rather than genuine theoretical disagreement.
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    • 3.Identity criteria for theories should prioritize empirical/normative content over metaphysical machinery when the former is fully aligned.
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    Key Terms

    Explanatory commitments(in philosophy of science)
    The specific reasons, causes, or mechanisms that a theory claims explain why something happens the way it does.
    Modal commitments(philosophy and logic)
    Hidden assumptions about what is possible, impossible, necessary, or contingent (able to be otherwise) that a statement sneaks in without saying so explicitly.
    Notational equivalence(in logic and philosophy of science)
    When two theories use different symbols or formats to express the exact same ideas—like how you might write 1/2 or 0.5, they're notational equivalents.
    Verdicts(as used in epistemology)
    Conclusions or final judgments about what is true or false.
    deontic(as used in ethics)
    Relating to duties, obligations, and what is morally required, forbidden, or permitted—basically, what you should or shouldn't do.
    theoretical identity(Kripkean essentialism; examples include 'water is H2O' and 'gold is the element with atomic number 79')
    An identity of the form C = T, where C is a common name for a kind and T is a technical identification of that kind, expressing what that kind fundamentally is

    Connections

    1 topic

    Consequentialism1 linked

    Related

    Explanatory divergence without behavioral/verdictive divergence may reflect inte...Explanatory power is a fundamental criterion for theory choice in philosophy; id...Identity criteria for theories should prioritize empirical/normative content ove...If two theories produce identical deontic verdicts in all possible cases, their ...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit
    +3 moreShow less
    Notational equivalence is a surface-level property; depth of theory includes met...The notational consequentializer is justified in accepting the first premise tha...Theories with divergent modal commitments make different claims about necessity/...