Single Idea 6386

[catalogued under 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 1. Psychology]

Full Idea

There is no important sense in which psychology can be reduced to the physical sciences.

Gist of Idea

In no important way can psychology be reduced to the physical sciences

Source

Donald Davidson (The Material Mind [1973], p.259)

Book Reference

Davidson,Donald: 'Essays on Actions and Events' [OUP 1982], p.259


A Reaction

In no 'important' way can the beauty of the Lake District be reduced to geology - but it is geology. 'Important' to whom? To a metaphysician, I would say psychology does reduce to physics, and that is important, but it is not important to a psychologist.