more on this theme | more from this thinker
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] |