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Single Idea 16619

[filed under theme 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / j. Explanations by reduction ]

Full Idea

Nothing beyond qualities is perceived by the senses. …When we refer to the substance in which the qualities inhere, we do this through induction, by which we reason that some subject lies under the quality.

Gist of Idea

We observe qualities, and use 'induction' to refer to the substances lying under them

Source

Pierre Gassendi (Syntagma [1658], II.1.6.1), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 07.1

Book Ref

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.116

A Reaction

He talks of 'induction' (in an older usage), but he seems to mean abduction, since he never makes any observations of the substances being proposed.

The 14 ideas with the same theme [explaining by reveal grounding or foundations]:

16619 We observe qualities, and use 'induction' to refer to the substances lying under them [Gassendi]
15308 Science is the reduction of diverse forces and powers to a smaller number that explain them [Kant]
22646 We have a passion for knowing the parts of something, rather than the whole [James]
6552 You can only explain the qualities of large objects using entities which lack those qualities [Heisenberg]
20653 Six reduction levels: groups, lives, cells, molecules, atoms, particles [Putnam/Oppenheim, by Watson]
17075 Scientific explanation tends to reduce things to the unfamiliar (not the familiar) [Smart]
15310 Solidity comes from the power of repulsion, and shape from the power of attraction [Harré/Madden]
12315 We can explain by showing constitution, as well as showing causes [Stanford]
17088 Reducing one science to another is often said to be the perfect explanation [Ruben]
2396 Reductive explanation is not the be-all and the end-all of explanation [Chalmers]
7060 One form of explanation is by decomposition [Heil]
15059 Grounding is an explanation of truth, and needs all the virtues of good explanations [Fine,K]
13926 Best explanations, especially natural ones, need grounding, notably by persistent objects [Haslanger]
11053 Explanatory reduction is stronger than ontological reduction [Hanna]