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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).
| 11908 | Putnam bases essences on 'same kind', but same kinds may not share properties [Mackie,P on Putnam] |
| 11904 | Express natural kinds as a posteriori predicate connections, not as singular terms [Putnam, by Mackie,P] |
| 17505 | Using proper names properly doesn't involve necessary and sufficient conditions [Putnam] |
| 17507 | Natural kind stereotypes are 'strong' (obvious, like tiger) or 'weak' (obscure, like molybdenum) [Putnam] |
| 17506 | I now think reference by the tests of experts is a special case of being causally connected [Putnam] |
| 17508 | Science aims at truth, not at 'simplicity' [Putnam] |