Scientific constructs are basically words, or series of words, that have certain meanings attached to them. Scientists use constructs to communicate about the phenomena that interest them, in a way that makes one scientist understand, at least to some degree, what another scientist is referring to. For that to happen, the meaning that is associated with a construct label needs to be shared among scientists. If Dr. Abelson has no idea of what Dr. Bengtson is referring to when using terms like “gravity” (or “energy,” or “narcissism,” or “evolution”), the two of them will be unable to have a useful conversation.

In this regard, scientific constructs are no different than terms from our everyday language. For example, when someone uses the term “desk,” most people will think of something that entails (a) a horizontal plate suitable for placing items on it, which is (b) located approximately 90 cm above ground so one may work on it while sitting and which is also (c)...