Scientific Theories as Intervening Representations

Abstract

In this paper we use some ideas of Hertz and Duhem to propose a new concept of representation that overcomes the dichotomy between representation and intervention. It is based on the category-theoretical notion of adjoint situations and is used to explain the relation between empirical facts and theoretical laws in a new way.

Keywords

• representation, adjoint situations, in vitro/in vivo problem, Hertz, Duhem.