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Single Idea 9791

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 6. Idealisation ]

Full Idea

A scientific subject will possess more accuracy (i.e. simplicity) the more that it is about conceptually prior and simpler things, and so it will be more accurate without than with magnitude being involved, and above all being without movement.

Gist of Idea

Science is more accurate when it is prior and simpler, especially without magnitude or movement

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1078a10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.399


A Reaction

Aristotle is especially concerned to show how we can achieve accuracy, even while abstracting away from the details of the objects we are studying. Frege should have studied Aristotle more closely.