Single Idea 19225

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory]

Full Idea

I classify the sciences on Comte's general principles, in order of the abstractness of their objects, so that each science may largely rest for its principles upon those above it in the scale, while drawing its data in part from those below it.

Gist of Idea

I classify science by level of abstraction; principles derive from above, and data from below

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Reasoning and the Logic of Things [1898], I)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Reasoning and the Logic of Things', ed/tr. Ketner,K.L. [Harvard 1992], p.114


A Reaction

He places mathematics at the peak of abstraction. I assume physics is more abstract than biology. So chemistry draws principles from physics and data from biology. Not sure about this. Probably need to read Comte on it.