more from A.J. Ayer

Single Idea 8824

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 2. Phenomenalism]

Full Idea

I know of no serious defence of 'translational phenomenalism' since Ayer's in 1940.

Clarification

The 'translation' is object expressions into sensation expressions

Gist of Idea

No one has defended translational phenomenalism since Ayer in 1940

Source

report of A.J. Ayer (The Foundations of Empirical Knowledge [1940]) by Jaegwon Kim - What is 'naturalized epistemology'? 303-4+n

Book Reference

'Epistemology - An Anthology', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Kim,J. [Blackwell 2000], p.303


A Reaction

We can think of Ayer as a hero who explored how far extreme empiricism would go. We still have anti-realists who are singing from a revised version of the song-sheet. Personally I am with Russell, that we must embrace the best explanation.