Single Idea 6114

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 6. Fundamentals / d. Logical atoms]

Full Idea

When I speak of 'simples' I am speaking of something not experienced as such, but known only inferentially as the limits of analysis.

Gist of Idea

'Simples' are not experienced, but are inferred at the limits of analysis

Source

Bertrand Russell (Logical Atomism [1924], p.158)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Russell's Logical Atomism', ed/tr. Pears,David [Fontana 1972], p.158


A Reaction

He claims that the simples are 'known', so he does not mean purely theoretical entities. They have something like the status of quarks in physics, whose existence is inferred from experience.