more from Philip Kitcher

Single Idea 18075

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 6. Idealisation]

Full Idea

To idealize is to trade accuracy in describing the actual for simplicity of description, and the compromise can sometimes be struck in different ways.

Gist of Idea

Idealisation trades off accuracy for simplicity, in varying degrees

Source

Philip Kitcher (The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge [1984], 06.5)

Book Reference

Kitcher,Philip: 'The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge' [OUP 1984], p.144


A Reaction

There is clearly rather more to idealisation than mere simplicity. A matchstick man is not an ideal man.