6 ideas
2614 | Modern phenomenalism holds that objects are logical constructions out of sense-data [Ayer] |
Full Idea: Nowadays phenomenalism is held to be a theory of perception which says that physical objects are logical constructions out of sense-data. | |
From: A.J. Ayer (Phenomenalism [1947], §1) |
2615 | The concept of sense-data allows us to discuss appearances without worrying about reality [Ayer] |
Full Idea: The introduction of the term 'sense-datum' is a means of referring to appearances without prejudging the question of what it is, if anything, that they are appearances of. | |
From: A.J. Ayer (Phenomenalism [1947], §1) |
15675 | We don't condemn people for being bad at reasoning [Finlayson] |
Full Idea: We do not morally disapprove of people who are incompetent reasoners. | |
From: James Gordon Finlayson (Habermas [2005], Ch.6:83) | |
A reaction: Well, we don't morally disapprove simply of their lack of reasoning ability, but we may morally disapprove of their actions, which have arisen entirely from the disability. |
15674 | One can universalise good advice, but that doesn't make it an obligation [Finlayson] |
Full Idea: 'Early to bed and early to rise' is a universalizable maxim, but, though it might be good advice, there is obviously no such obligation. | |
From: James Gordon Finlayson (Habermas [2005], Ch.6:83) | |
A reaction: I take it that Kant's rule won't distinguish moral guidance from prudential guidance. Unfair, I think. I may be a lark, but when I universalise this maxim I see that it can't be willed as a universal rule, because we should tolerate the owls. |
15662 | The 'culture industry' is an advertisement for the way things are [Finlayson] |
Full Idea: Critical theory said that culture unwittingly played the role of an advertisement for the way things are. Horkheimer and Adorno referred to this phenomenon as the 'culture industry'. | |
From: James Gordon Finlayson (Habermas [2005], Ch.1:04) | |
A reaction: An interesting perspective. However, absolutely everything is an advertisement for what it offers. I think this is especially true of moral (and immoral) actions. |
2594 | A true cause must involve a necessary connection between cause and effect [Malebranche] |
Full Idea: A true cause as I understand it is one such that the mind perceives a necessary connection between it and its effects. | |
From: Nicolas Malebranche (The Union of Body and Soul [1675], p.116) |