more on this theme     |     more from this thinker

Single Idea 17650

[filed under theme 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 5. Commensurability ]

Full Idea

We have no neat frames of reference, no ready rules for transforming physics, biology and psychology into one another.

Gist of Idea

We lack frames of reference to transform physics, biology and psychology into one another

Source

Nelson Goodman (Ways of Worldmaking [1978], 1.2)

Book Ref

Goodman,Nelson: 'Ways of Worldmaking' [Hackett 1984], p.3

The 13 ideas from 'Ways of Worldmaking'

17650 We lack frames of reference to transform physics, biology and psychology into one another [Goodman]
17649 If the world is one it has many aspects, and if there are many worlds they will collect into one [Goodman]
17651 Without words or other symbols, we have no world [Goodman]
17654 A world can be full of variety or not, depending on how we sort it [Goodman]
17653 Things can only be judged the 'same' by citing some respect of sameness [Goodman]
17655 Grue and green won't be in the same world, as that would block induction entirely [Goodman]
17656 Being primitive or prior always depends on a constructional system [Goodman]
17657 We build our world, and ignore anything that won't fit [Goodman]
17658 Users of digital thermometers recognise no temperatures in the gaps [Goodman]
17652 Truth is irrelevant if no statements are involved [Goodman]
17659 Reality is largely a matter of habit [Goodman]
17660 Discovery is often just finding a fit, like a jigsaw puzzle [Goodman]
17661 We don't recognise patterns - we invent them [Goodman]