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3 ideas
12113 | The search for first or final causes is futile [Comte] |
Full Idea: We regard the search after what are called causes, whether first or final, as absolutely inaccessible and unmeaning. | |
From: Auguste Comte (Intro to Positive Philosophy [1830], Ch.1) | |
A reaction: This remark lies behind Russell's rejection of the notion of cause in scientific thinking. Personally it seems to me indispensable, even if we accept that the pursuit of 'final' causes is fairly hopeless. We don't know where the quest will lead. |
9419 | A law of nature is a general axiom of the deductive system that is best for simplicity and strength [Lewis] |
Full Idea: A contingent generalization is a law of nature if and only if it appears as a theorem (or axiom) in each of the true deductive systems that achieves a best combination of simplicity and strength. | |
From: David Lewis (Counterfactuals [1973], 3.3) |
12110 | We can never know origins, purposes or inner natures [Comte] |
Full Idea: The inner nature of objects, or the origin and purpose of all phenomena, are the most insoluble questions. | |
From: Auguste Comte (Intro to Positive Philosophy [1830], Ch.1) | |
A reaction: I take it that this Humean pessimism about science ever penetrating below the surface is precisely what is challenged by modern science, and that 'scientific essentialism' is catching up with what has happened. 'Inner' is knowable, bottom level isn't. |