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Single Idea 15207

[filed under theme 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 2. Aim of Science ]

Full Idea

Don't ask, which theory is more coherent? Ask, which theory is more illuminating?

Gist of Idea

We want illuminating theories, rather than coherent theories

Source

Robin Le Poidevin (Past, Present and Future of Debate about Tense [1998], 5)

Book Ref

'Questions of Time and Tense', ed/tr. Le Poidevin,R [OUP 2002], p.41

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The 4 ideas from 'Past, Present and Future of Debate about Tense'

15198

In the B-series, time-positions are unchanging; in the A-series they change (from future to present to past) [Le Poidevin]

15205

Tensed theorists typically try to reduce the tenseless to the tensed [Le Poidevin]

15207

We want illuminating theories, rather than coherent theories [Le Poidevin]

15206

It is the view of the future that really decides between tensed and tenseless views of time [Le Poidevin]