38 ideas
3859 | We do not wish merely to predict, we also want to explain [Newton-Smith] |
3853 | For science to be rational, we must explain scientific change rationally [Newton-Smith] |
3870 | The real problem of science is how to choose between possible explanations [Newton-Smith] |
3855 | Critics attack positivist division between theory and observation [Newton-Smith] |
3854 | Positivists hold that theoretical terms change, but observation terms don't [Newton-Smith] |
23250 | Desired responsible actions result either from rational or from irrational desire [Aristotle] |
5847 | It is the role of dialectic to survey syllogisms [Aristotle] |
3869 | More truthful theories have greater predictive power [Newton-Smith] |
3861 | Theories generate infinite truths and falsehoods, so they cannot be used to assess probability [Newton-Smith] |
3867 | De re necessity arises from the way the world is [Newton-Smith] |
3872 | We must assess the truth of beliefs in identifying them [Newton-Smith] |
23633 | Many truths seem obvious, and point to universal agreement - which is what we find [Reid] |
3857 | Defeat relativism by emphasising truth and reference, not meaning [Newton-Smith] |
3858 | A full understanding of 'yellow' involves some theory [Newton-Smith] |
3862 | All theories contain anomalies, and so are falsified! [Newton-Smith] |
3863 | The anomaly of Uranus didn't destroy Newton's mechanics - it led to Neptune's discovery [Newton-Smith] |
3864 | Anomalies are judged against rival theories, and support for the current theory [Newton-Smith] |
5862 | A single counterexample is enough to prove that a truth is not necessary [Aristotle] |
3865 | Why should it matter whether or not a theory is scientific? [Newton-Smith] |
3866 | If theories are really incommensurable, we could believe them all [Newton-Smith] |
5854 | Nobody fears a disease which nobody has yet caught [Aristotle] |
23630 | Only philosophers treat ideas as objects [Reid] |
23629 | The ambiguity of words impedes the advancement of knowledge [Reid] |
5849 | Rhetoric is a political offshoot of dialectic and ethics [Aristotle] |
3871 | Explaining an action is showing that it is rational [Newton-Smith] |
5851 | Pentathletes look the most beautiful, because they combine speed and strength [Aristotle] |
5858 | Men are physically prime at thirty-five, and mentally prime at forty-nine [Aristotle] |
5855 | We all feel universal right and wrong, independent of any community or contracts [Aristotle] |
5850 | Happiness is composed of a catalogue of internal and external benefits [Aristotle] |
5856 | Self-interest is a relative good, but nobility an absolute good [Aristotle] |
5853 | The best virtues are the most useful to others [Aristotle] |
5848 | All good things can be misused, except virtue [Aristotle] |
5857 | The young feel pity from philanthropy, but the old from self-concern [Aristotle] |
5859 | Rich people are mindlessly happy [Aristotle] |
5852 | The four constitutions are democracy (freedom), oligarchy (wealth), aristocracy (custom), tyranny (security) [Aristotle] |
1660 | It is noble to avenge oneself on one's enemies, and not come to terms with them [Aristotle] |
23632 | Similar effects come from similar causes, and causes are only what are sufficient for the effects [Reid] |
5861 | People assume events cause what follows them [Aristotle] |