Single Idea 20976

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 10. Closure of Physics]

Full Idea

There is no knock down argument for the completeness of physics.

Gist of Idea

The completeness of physics cannot be proved

Source

David Papineau (Thinking about Consciousness [2002], App 7)

Book Reference

Papineau,David: 'Thinking about Consciousness' [OUP 2004], p.256


A Reaction

This is commendably honest, given that he pins his view of the mind on it. He makes the case sound overwhelming, though. The thing which would breach the completeness is like the Loch Ness monster - you can't prove it isn't there, if it hides.