To present a theory is to specify a family of structures, its
models; and secondly, to specify certain parts of those
models (the empirical substructures) as candidates for the
direct representation of observable phenomena.
— van Fraassen. The Scientific Image. Page 64. 1980.
This is Wittgenstein's family resemblance concept applied to Popper's notion of "conjectures" in "the system of reference by means of which we interpret an unknown language". It is not only agreement in definitions but also (odd as it
may sound) in judgments that is required.
— Wittgenstein's PI, somewhere deep in there around 200.
The "unknown language" is itself the outward bounds of possible sense data for which we must cultivate a scientific description framework — or, if you will, RDF (Resource Description Framework).From the perspective of a Hilbertian mathematical ideal, all conjectures are a kind of "paradise" for which we must apply method and tools. Strictly speaking, linguistic items serve as the material edifice in which we make experiment and theorizing about "propositions" and "mathematical objectivities" insofar as their existences are palpabable (by Occam's Razor, and various other First Principles) which would appear repugnant to reason to flout, ignore, or misplace.
Their lives must be ecstatically thrilling as nothing is certain, constant or knowable. I truly admire the masochism of these brave souls, as they battle seen and unseen foes alike for the duration of their exciting lives.
Meanwhile, us poor scientists must deal with the boredom and stability that comes with scientific understanding. The laws of the universe are forever constant, the narrative of the universe unchanging, and the world predictable and understandable, just waiting for curious minds to uncover its ancient mechanisms. Terrible, eternal boredom.
Alas, I must return to insufferable monotony. Live long and prosper.
The article is actually about philosophy of science: not against scientific understanding, but making questions one step forward, trying to understand the relationship between science and reality.