Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Stephen Houlgate, Philip Kitcher and Marga Reimer

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15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 6. Idealisation

18075	Idealisation trades off accuracy for simplicity, in varying degrees [Kitcher]
	Full Idea: To idealize is to trade accuracy in describing the actual for simplicity of description, and the compromise can sometimes be struck in different ways.
	From: Philip Kitcher (The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge [1984], 06.5)
	A reaction: There is clearly rather more to idealisation than mere simplicity. A matchstick man is not an ideal man.