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Single Idea 9423

[from 'Psychophysical and theoretical identifications' by David Lewis, in 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 4. Regularities / b. Best system theory ]

Full Idea

Lewis's simplicity and strength criteria introduce an element of subjectivity into the laws, because the best system seems to be determined by what we take to be simple and strong in a system.

Gist of Idea

If simplicity and strength are criteria for laws of nature, that introduces a subjective element

Source

comment on David Lewis (Psychophysical and theoretical identifications [1972]) by Stephen Mumford - Laws in Nature 3.5

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Laws in Nature' [Routledge 2006], p.45


A Reaction

[Mumford cites Armstrong 1983:67 for this]