Single Idea 6473

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 1. Physical Objects]

Full Idea

We may lay down the following definition: Physical things are those series of appearances whose matter obeys the laws of physics.

Gist of Idea

Physical things are series of appearances whose matter obeys physical laws

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Relation of Sense-Data to Physics [1914], §XI)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Mysticism and Logic' [Unwin 1989], p.165


A Reaction

We will then have to define the laws of physic without making any reference to 'physical things'. There is an obvious suspicion of circularity somewhere here. I find it very odd to define objects just in terms of their appearances.