Single Idea 18716

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism]

Full Idea

We are accustomed to look on a machine as the expression of a rule of movement.

Gist of Idea

A machine strikes us as being a rule of movement

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Lectures 1930-32 (student notes) [1931], B VII.2)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Lectures in Cambridge 1930-32', ed/tr. Lee,Desmond [Blackwell 1980], p.40


A Reaction

What a beautiful definition of a machine! I like this because it connects the two halves of my view of the 'essence' of a thing, as derived from Aristotle, as both a causal mechanism and an underlying principle. Cf Turing machines.