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Single Idea 76

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / G. Scientific Philosophy / 1. Aims of Science]

Full Idea

The object of scientific knowledge is what is necessary.

Clarification

'Necessary' things have to be the way they are. 'Knowledge' here is the Greek word 'epistemé'

Gist of Idea

The object of scientific knowledge is what is necessary

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1139b24)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.207


A Reaction

This is diametrically opposed to the Humean view, which takes the nature of each thing, and the laws which guide it, to be contingent. Kripke has pointed us towards necessities in nature.