Sensationalism and Scientific Explanation [Book Review]

Philosophical Studies (Dublin) 13:240-243 (1964)
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Abstract

There are several things about this little book which make it worth reading. One is its lucid summary of Mach’s views on the constitution of physical objects out of sensations, and on the nature of scientific explanation, which the author labels ‘Sensationalism’. Another is his analysis of descriptions, in particular his discussion of the characteristics with reference to which we judge a description satisfactory or otherwise. Of less direct relevance to the main theme of the book, but suggestive nonetheless, is his subsequent defense of the possibility of descriptions which are not laden with theoretical interpretations. Finally, the author attempts to disclose essential differences between descriptions and explanations which devaluate any account such as Mach’s tending to assimilate the two.

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