Scientific theories as intervening representations

Abstract

In this paper some classical representational ideas of Hertz and Duhem are used to show how the di-chotomy between representation and intervention can be overcome. More precisely, scientific theories are reconstructed as complex networks of intervening representations (or representational interventions). The formal apparatus developed is applied to elucidate various theoretical and practical aspects of the in vivo/in vitro problem of biochemistry. Moreover, adjoint situations (Galois connections) are used to explain the re-lation between empirical facts and theoretical laws in a new way.