Abstract

DIEZ PATRICIO, Antonio. More on interpretation (I): Reasoning and truth. Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2016, vol.36, n.130, pp.363-382. ISSN 2340-2733.

Any interpretation must be based upon a theory of the reality to be interpreted while constituting, in turn, a theory or hypothesis of the interpreted reality. An interpretation is an inference, specifically a pragmatic inference and not a deductive one. Foremost among pragmatic inferences is abduction, retroduction or hypothesis in their different degrees of proximity to truth according to the empirical support on which they are based, in other words, to borrow Umberto Eco's terminology, overcoded, undercoded and creative abductions. As every interpretation involves approaching truth to a greater or lesser degree, it becomes imperative to define precisely the limits of the concept. With this goal, three concepts closely related to truth are examined: the concepts of verisimilitude, validity and probability. The conclusion of this analysis is that, given that it is not possible to access truth in its totality, truth becomes what Popper called a regulatory principle, being the concept of verisimilitude more realistic and applicable.

Keywords : deductive inference; pragmatic inference; abduction; truth; verisimilitude; probability.

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