Full Idea
4: Observation reports (for coherence) have a degree of acceptability on their own.
Gist of Idea
4: For coherence, observation reports have a degree of intrinsic acceptability
Source
report of Paul Thagard (Explanatory Coherence [1989], 4) by J.J.C. Smart - Explanation - Opening Address p.04
Book Reference
'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.4
A Reaction
Thagard makes this an axiom, but Smart rejects that and says there is no reason why observation reports should not also be accepted because of their coherence (with our views about our senses etc.). I agree with Smart.