Single Idea 6466

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 2. Phenomenalism]

Full Idea

The supreme maxim in scientific philosophising is this: Wherever possible, logical constructions are to be substituted for inferred entities.

Gist of Idea

Where possible, logical constructions are to be substituted for inferred entities

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Relation of Sense-Data to Physics [1914], §VI)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Mysticism and Logic' [Unwin 1989], p.149


A Reaction

This seems to represent Russell's first move (in 1914) into what looks like phenomenalism. One might ask what is the difference between 'logical constructions' and 'inferred entities'. The latter appear to have unity, so I prefer them.