Carnap vs. Quine: Descriptive Semantics vs. Semantic Ascent. More Reasons Why Paolo was So Very Right!

The philosophical terza via explored so richly by Paolo Parrini seeks to support realism regarding empirical, especially scientific findings by distinguishing three forms of ‘holism’: semantic (re: intension, meaning), methodological and justificatory; by highlighting the practical-operational character of empirical inquiries, especially in the sciences; and by identifying cogent forms of relative a priori principles. In these regards, our aims and findings converge substantially. Two papers Paolo associated closely examine important differences between Carnap’s and Quine’s views, and track Quine’s prevarications regarding his holism and analyticity. I shall corroborate and extend our philosophical convergence by identifying further features of both Carnap’s and Quine’s views which provide yet more reasons why Paolo was so very right about those Prague alternatives and about the proper terza via.