Ideas from 'On Copernicanism and Relativity of Motion' by Gottfried Leibniz [1689], by Theme Structure
[found in 'Philosophical Essays' by Leibniz,Gottfried (ed/tr Arlew,R /Garber,D) [Hackett 1989,0-87220-062-0]].
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3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 8. Subjective Truth
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13157
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Choose the true hypothesis, which is the most intelligible one
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Full Idea:
One should choose the more intelligible hypothesis, and the truth is nothing but its intelligibility.
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From:
Gottfried Leibniz (On Copernicanism and Relativity of Motion [1689], p.91)
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A reaction:
This apparently simple observation strikes me as being rather profound. Our picture of the world is shaped entirely by what is intelligible to us. An odd notion of truth, though. The age of reason. See Idea 13158.
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14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation
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13158
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The Copernican theory is right because it is the only one offering a good explanation
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Full Idea:
The Copernican account is the truest theory, that is, the most intelligible theory and the only one capable of an explanation sufficient for a person of sound reason.
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From:
Gottfried Leibniz (On Copernicanism and Relativity of Motion [1689], p.92)
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A reaction:
The word 'intelligible' here seems to be linked to the notion of a best explanation.
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