Single Idea 17067

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / c. Explanations by coherence]

Full Idea

4: Observation reports (for coherence) have a degree of acceptability on their own.

Gist of Idea

4: For coherence, observation reports have a degree of intrinsic acceptability

Source

report of Paul Thagard (Explanatory Coherence [1989], 4) by J.J.C. Smart - Explanation - Opening Address p.04

Book Reference

'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.4


A Reaction

Thagard makes this an axiom, but Smart rejects that and says there is no reason why observation reports should not also be accepted because of their coherence (with our views about our senses etc.). I agree with Smart.