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Single Idea 17633

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 1. Laws of Nature ]

Full Idea

The law of gravitation leads to many consequences which could not be discovered merely from the apparent motions of the heavenly bodies.

Gist of Idea

The law of gravity has many consequences beyond its grounding observations

Source

Bertrand Russell (Regressive Method for Premises in Mathematics [1907], p.275)

Book Ref

Russell,Bertrand: 'Essays in Analysis', ed/tr. Lackey,Douglas [George Braziller 1973], p.275


The 12 ideas from 'Regressive Method for Premises in Mathematics'

It seems absurd to prove 2+2=4, where the conclusion is more certain than premises [Russell]
Arithmetic was probably inferred from relationships between physical objects [Russell]
Which premises are ultimate varies with context [Russell]
The sources of a proof are the reasons why we believe its conclusion [Russell]
Non-contradiction was learned from instances, and then found to be indubitable [Russell]
Induction is inferring premises from consequences [Russell]
The law of gravity has many consequences beyond its grounding observations [Russell]
The most obvious beliefs are not infallible, as other obvious beliefs may conflict [Russell]
Believing a whole science is more than believing each of its propositions [Russell]
If one proposition is deduced from another, they are more certain together than alone [Russell]
Finding the axioms may be the only route to some new results [Russell]
Discoveries in mathematics can challenge philosophy, and offer it a new foundation [Russell]