Single Idea 5179

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / G. Scientific Philosophy / 3. Scientism]

Full Idea

If there are any questions which science leaves it to philosophy to answer, a straightforward process of elimination must lead to their discovery.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy deals with the questions that scientists do not wish to handle

Source

A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.45


A Reaction

This is characteristic of the feeble-mindedness that British philosophy slipped into in the age of Wittgenstein, and for a while thereafter. Personally I regard scientists as servants, who are sent off on exploratory errands, and must report back.