under determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under determination" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be a confusion with "underdetermination," which refers to a situation where the available evidence is insufficient to determine a unique outcome or theory. Example: "In scientific research, the theory of evolution is often subject to underdetermination, as multiple interpretations can arise from the same set of data."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A central topic has been the under determination of theory by evidence: evidence for a theory seldom entails the theory, in which case there will be several empirically equivalent theories theories with the same consequences with respect to experience.

SEP

Moreover, the plain reaction zone establishment, which relies strictly on the mutual inter-dispersion of the adjoining solutions, could be exploited to set up multiple sequential reaction schemes providing supplementary information regarding the species under determination.

Microchemical Journal

These bridges are: empirically informed theories of epistemic virtue; virtue theoretic solutions to under determination; epistemic virtues in the history of science; and the value of understanding.

Springer

HEK-293 cells expressing OCT2 or empty vector were incubated for 30 min with 100% fetal bovine serum (37°C, pH 7.4, Gibco) or rat whole brain homogenates (37°C, pH 7.4) that were prepared as described under 'Determination of (cyclo)his-pro in rat brain' below.

Plosone

This combined analytical and computational approach generated much more independent isotopomer data to help minimize the problem under determination.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In general, under- determination and generality may leave open many possibilities without being ambiguous between those possibilities.

SEP

Of course, determining atomic weights and formulae requires some decision to solve the under-determination problem, but that is the case whether one commits to atoms or not.

SEP

3. Moral Epistemology and the Empirical Under-Determination of Ethical Theory.

Stanford University

This difference correlates with an early under-determination of syntactic representations where 'uninterpretable' syntactic features are absent from syntactic expressions.

Lingua

Estimating surface roughness or soil moisture by solving the IEM with two unknowns is a classic example of under-determination and is at the core of the problems associated with the use of radar imagery coupled with IEM-like models.

Remote Sensing of Environment

So the system faces something like the under-determination problem that a scientist faces.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing situations where evidence is insufficient to lead to a single conclusion, consider using the term "underdetermination" (one word) for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid writing "under determination" when you mean the philosophical concept of 'underdetermination'. The latter refers to a situation in epistemology and the philosophy of science where theory is not fully determined by evidence. Using "underdetermination" (one word) ensures clarity and avoids grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under determination" functions as a noun phrase, although it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates a potential confusion with "underdetermination".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

33%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under determination" is generally considered grammatically incorrect, with Ludwig AI suggesting that it's likely a confusion with the term "underdetermination". While it appears in some academic and scientific contexts, the preferred and more precise term is the single word "underdetermination", particularly when referring to the philosophical concept where evidence is insufficient to fully determine a theory. When intending to say something is not fully or adequately determined it's preferable to use alternative and more correct forms, such as "insufficient determination" or "incomplete ascertainment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Insufficient determination

Emphasizes the lack of adequate information to reach a conclusion.

Incomplete ascertainment

Focuses on the state of not having fully established or determined something.

Partial identification

Highlights that something has been only partly recognized or specified.

Limited specification

Indicates that the details or parameters have not been fully defined.

Unresolved definition

Suggests that the meaning or scope remains unsettled.

Uncertain establishment

Implies a lack of firmness or certainty in the establishment of something.

Inadequate resolution

Focuses on the insufficient clarity or detail in a solution or decision.

Unsettled conclusion

Highlights that a final determination has not been reached.

Ambiguous determination

Highlights the lack of clarity of determination.

Unclear decision

Indicates a lack of clarity in a decision.

FAQs

What is the correct way to write about situations where evidence is insufficient to determine a unique theory?

The correct term is "underdetermination" (one word). "Under determination" (two words) is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Underdetermination is a concept often discussed in philosophy of science.

What does 'underdetermination' mean in the context of scientific theories?

In science, "underdetermination" refers to situations where available evidence is not strong enough to lead to a unique theory, resulting in multiple possible explanations.

Can I use 'under determination' in any context?

While not standard, "under determination" might be used when something is in the process of being determined but is not yet fully decided. However, in most contexts, rewording is recommended for clarity. Consider "insufficient determination" or "partial identification".

What are some alternatives to 'under determination' that are grammatically correct?

Alternatives include "incomplete ascertainment", "insufficient determination", or using the single-word term "underdetermination" when referring to the philosophical concept.