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Single Idea 12175

[from 'Conjectures and Refutations' by Karl Popper, in 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / a. Scientific essentialism ]

Full Idea

The third of the Galilean doctrines of science is that the best, the truly scientific theories, describe the 'essences' or the 'essential natures' of things - the realities which lie behind the appearances. They are ultimate explanations.

Gist of Idea

Galilean science aimed at true essences, as the ultimate explanations

Source

Karl Popper (Conjectures and Refutations [1963], 3.3)

Book Reference

Popper,Karl: 'Conjectures and Refutations' [RKP 1965], p.104


A Reaction

This seems to be the seventeenth century doctrine which was undermined by Humeanism, and hence despised by Popper, but is now making a comeback, with a new account of essence and necessity.