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Single Idea 3871
[filed under theme 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / c. Reasons as causes
]
Full Idea
To explain an action as an action is to show that it is rational.
Gist of Idea
Explaining an action is showing that it is rational
Source
W.H. Newton-Smith (The Rationality of Science [1981], X.2)
Book Ref
Newton-Smith,W.H.: 'The Rationality of Science' [RKP 1981], p.241
The
17 ideas
from W.H. Newton-Smith
3853
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For science to be rational, we must explain scientific change rationally
[Newton-Smith]
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3854
|
Positivists hold that theoretical terms change, but observation terms don't
[Newton-Smith]
|
3855
|
Critics attack positivist division between theory and observation
[Newton-Smith]
|
3857
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Defeat relativism by emphasising truth and reference, not meaning
[Newton-Smith]
|
3858
|
A full understanding of 'yellow' involves some theory
[Newton-Smith]
|
3859
|
We do not wish merely to predict, we also want to explain
[Newton-Smith]
|
3861
|
Theories generate infinite truths and falsehoods, so they cannot be used to assess probability
[Newton-Smith]
|
3862
|
All theories contain anomalies, and so are falsified!
[Newton-Smith]
|
3863
|
The anomaly of Uranus didn't destroy Newton's mechanics - it led to Neptune's discovery
[Newton-Smith]
|
3864
|
Anomalies are judged against rival theories, and support for the current theory
[Newton-Smith]
|
3865
|
Why should it matter whether or not a theory is scientific?
[Newton-Smith]
|
3870
|
The real problem of science is how to choose between possible explanations
[Newton-Smith]
|
3866
|
If theories are really incommensurable, we could believe them all
[Newton-Smith]
|
3867
|
De re necessity arises from the way the world is
[Newton-Smith]
|
3869
|
More truthful theories have greater predictive power
[Newton-Smith]
|
3871
|
Explaining an action is showing that it is rational
[Newton-Smith]
|
3872
|
We must assess the truth of beliefs in identifying them
[Newton-Smith]
|