Single Idea 21685

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 4. Pro-Empiricism]

Full Idea

The crucial insight of empiricism is that any evidence for science has its end points in the senses. This insight remains valid, but it is an insight which comes after physics, physiology, and psychology, not before.

Gist of Idea

Empiricism says evidence rests on the senses, but that insight is derived from science

Source

Willard Quine (On Mental Entities [1952], p.225)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Ways of Paradox and other essays' [Harvard 1976], p.225


A Reaction

Interesting. I think Hume and co. were probably outlining essential presuppositions and contraints which must be accepted by science. Quine offers empiricism as more like a description of science (with success as its authority?).