Single Idea 4222

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / G. Scientific Philosophy / 2. Positivism]

Full Idea

If we think, in a positivistic spirit, that only measurements and observations exist, this is strikingly naïve. The scientists and their instruments can't be composed merely of measurements.

Gist of Idea

If all that exists is what is being measured, what about the people and instruments doing the measuring?

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.234)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.234


A Reaction

A strong rebuff to crude positivism and 'operationalism'. Such mistakes are the usual confusion of epistemology and ontology.