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Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'Explanation and Reference' and 'Reference and Essence: seven appendices'

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14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 2. Aim of Science

17508	Science aims at truth, not at 'simplicity' [Putnam]
	Full Idea: Scientists are not trying to maximise some formal property of 'simplicity'; they are trying to maximise truth.
	From: Hilary Putnam (Explanation and Reference [1973], III B)
	A reaction: This seems to be aimed at the Mill-Ramsey-Lewis account of laws of nature, as the simplest axioms of experience. I'm with Putnam (as he was at this date).