Single Idea 15308

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / j. Explanations by reduction]

Full Idea

All natural philosophy consists in the reduction of given forces apparently diverse to a smaller number of forces and powers sufficient for the explication of the actions of the former.

Gist of Idea

Science is the reduction of diverse forces and powers to a smaller number that explain them

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science [1786], 534)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Philosophy of Material Nature' [Hackett 1985], p.93


A Reaction

I'm beginning to think science is just tracking of complex forces and powers back to fundamental forces and powers. In which case, that is the analysis Kant is talking of. The standard model of physics would thrill him to bits.