The Building Blocks of Scientific Knowledge: Neurath and Carnap on Protocol Sentences

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss the protocol sentence debate between Otto Neurath and Rudolf Carnap. Despite their differences, both Carnap and Neurath maintain that protocol sentences play an essential role in the goals and purpose of philosophy. Particularly, they believe that philosophy should be focused on trying to advance scientific knowledge, and both thinkers see protocol sentences as the building blocks of science. The paper will consist of three main parts. First, I will present Otto Neurath’s account of protocol sentences as explained in his essay, “Protocol Sentences.” The second portion of the paper will explain Rudolf Carnap’s account of protocol sentences as presented in his essay, “On Protocol Sentences.” The third portion of the paper will compare and contrast the two versions of protocol sentences.