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Single Idea 17508
[filed under theme 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 2. Aim of Science
]
Full Idea
Scientists are not trying to maximise some formal property of 'simplicity'; they are trying to maximise truth.
Gist of Idea
Science aims at truth, not at 'simplicity'
Source
Hilary Putnam (Explanation and Reference [1973], III B)
Book Ref
Putnam,Hilary: 'Mind Language and Reality: Papers vol 2' [CUP 1975], p.212
A Reaction
This seems to be aimed at the Mill-Ramsey-Lewis account of laws of nature, as the simplest axioms of experience. I'm with Putnam (as he was at this date).
The
15 ideas
with the same theme
[what science is trying to achieve, in general]:
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21950
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Science must clear away the idols of the mind if they are ever going to find the truth
[Bacon]
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18971
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Theories are practical tools for progress, not answers to enigmas
[James]
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5391
|
Science aims to find uniformities to which (within the limits of experience) there are no exceptions
[Russell]
|
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3856
|
Good theories have empirical content, explain a lot, and are not falsified
[Popper, by Newton-Smith]
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17508
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Science aims at truth, not at 'simplicity'
[Putnam]
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12669
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Science aims to explain things, not just describe them
[Ellis]
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15225
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Science investigates the nature and constitution of things or substances
[Harré/Madden]
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15298
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We prefer the theory which explains and predicts the powers and capacities of particulars
[Harré/Madden]
|
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14917
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To accept a scientific theory, we only need to believe that it is empirically adequate
[Fraassen]
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19007
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A theory need not be true to be good; it should just be true about its physical aspects
[Yablo]
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7026
|
Science is sometimes said to classify powers, neglecting qualities
[Heil]
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15207
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We want illuminating theories, rather than coherent theories
[Le Poidevin]
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14988
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A theory which doesn't fit nature is unexplanatory, even if it is true
[Sider]
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17488
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Empiricist theories are sets of laws, which give explanations and reductions
[Glennan]
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20736
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Science has to abstract out the subjective attributes of things, focusing on what is objective
[Aho]
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