Combining Philosophers

Ideas for H.Putnam/P.Oppenheim, Thomas Aquinas and George Bealer

unexpand these ideas     |    start again     |     choose another area for these philosophers

display all the ideas for this combination of philosophers

---

2 ideas

14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / j. Explanations by reduction

20653	Six reduction levels: groups, lives, cells, molecules, atoms, particles [Putnam/Oppenheim, by Watson]
	Full Idea: There are six 'reductive levels' in science: social groups, (multicellular) living things, cells, molecules, atoms, and elementary particles.
	From: report of H.Putnam/P.Oppenheim (Unity of Science as a Working Hypothesis [1958]) by Peter Watson - Convergence 10 'Intro'
	A reaction: I have the impression that fields are seen as more fundamental that elementary particles. What is the status of the 'laws' that are supposed to govern these things? What is the status of space and time within this picture?

14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / k. Explanations by essence

11198	Definition of essence makes things understandable [Aquinas]
	Full Idea: It is definition of essence that makes things understandable.
	From: Thomas Aquinas (De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence) [1267], p.92)
	A reaction: The aim of philosophy is understanding, which is achieved by successful explanation. I totally agree with this Aristotelian view, so neatly summarised by Aquinas.