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Full Idea
I propose that reference to scientific terms, such as natural kinds and theoretical terms, is not determined by a sense or description attached to the term, but by its explanatory role.
Gist of Idea
Reference to scientific terms is by explanatory role, not by descriptions
Source
Alexander Bird (Philosophy of Science [1998], Ch.8)
Book Ref
Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.289
A Reaction
He gives the example of an electron, which had the same role in electrical theory, despite changes in understanding its nature. One might talk of its 'natural' (causal) role, rather than its 'explanatory' role (which implies a human viewpoint).