The following text discusses philosophy of science.
Measurement pervades science but raises philosophical puzzles. What does it mean to measure temperature? Operationalism claims temperature just is what thermometers read—no deeper reality lies behind operations. But different thermometers (mercury, electrical, infrared) measure somewhat differently; which is correct? Realists argue temperature is a real physical property that measurements approximate with varying accuracy. The debate matters for measurement's role in confirming theories: if measurements just define concepts, they cannot independently confirm theories that use those concepts—a worrying circularity.
What problem does the text identify with operationalism about measurement?
It makes all measurements perfectly accurate by definition
It struggles with discrepancies between different measurement methods
It denies that thermometers can measure anything
It requires that only one type of thermometer exists
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text asks about different thermometers measuring "somewhat differently; which is correct?"—a problem if temperature just is what thermometers read.
- Evidence: Different thermometers give different readings.
- Reasoning: If temperature is defined by readings, discrepancies are unexplainable.
- Conclusion: Discrepancies challenge the operationalist view.
Choice A is incorrect because discrepancies create a problem, not resolve it. Choice C is incorrect because operationalism says measurement defines concepts. Choice D is incorrect because multiple thermometer types exist and create the problem.