Abstract / Description of output
Isomorphism has become a key concept for the analysis of representation in many contexts: perceptual experience, mental imagery, scientific theories, and visual artwork may all be described as standing in isomorphisms to their targets. Yet isomorphism is a technical term from mathematics—how are we to evaluate its use in fields such as philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, or physics? I suggest that we should understand appeals to isomorphism as allegorical; the upshot of this suggestion is that isomorphism claims always operate on two distinct levels of significance, with different standards of precision and evaluation. Recognizing these levels as distinct changes the landscape of debate for isomorphism-based accounts of representation: it both dissolves the well-known triviality objection to these accounts and undermines strong forms of structural realism.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Avant: Trends in Interdisciplinary Studies |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 12 Dec 2019 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Isomorphism
- representation
- structure
- Newman's problem
- structural realism
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Dive into the research topics of 'The allegory of isomorphism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Prizes
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Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchrers
Isaac, Alistair (Recipient), 1 May 2018
Prize: Fellowships awarded competitively