Literally, ‘appearanceism’.
Any theory which explains a given subject-matter in terms of appearances, without needing to postulate anything else (see also reductionism), much as facts about the average man are reduced to facts about ordinary men. The most notable 19th century phenomenalist was John Stuart Mill (1806-1873).
Phenomenalists in the 20th century (for example, Alfred Jules Ayer (1910-1989)) usually take a more linguistic approach, reducing sentences about one kind of thing (in particular, material objects) to sentences about sense-data (things allegedly given to us immediately in sensations and so on). This approach suits logical positivism because of the difficulties of directly verifying sentences about material objects.
The difference between phenomenalism and subjective idealism can be seen by comparing two interpretations of how George Berkeley (1685-1753) accounts for ideas of unperceived material objects. On the idealist (and usual) interpretation such ideas exist in the mind of God. On the phenomenalist interpretation they do not exist at all, but God ensures we have the relevant ideas whenever (in common sense terms) objects come back into view. No successful phenomenalist analysis of material objects, however, has ever been completed.
Source:
J D Mabbott, ‘The Place of God in Berkeley’s Philosophy’, Locke and Berkeley, C B Martin and D M Armstrong, eds
Table of Contents
- 1 Videos
- 2 Related Products
- 2.1 Phenomenalism, Phenomenology, and the Question of Time: A Comparative Study of the Theories of Mach, Husserl, and Boltzmann
- 2.2 Phenomenalism, Cartesian Doubt and Bomb #20
- 2.3 Ernst Mach's Vienna 1895-1930: Or Phenomenalism as Philosophy of Science (Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science Book 218)
- 2.4 Phenomenalism Cartesian Doubt and Bomb #20
- 2.5 The Possibility of Spiritual Science: A Criticism of Materialism and Exclusive Phenomenalism
- 2.6 Introducing Empiricism: A Graphic Guide (Introducing...)
- 2.7 Contemporary British Phenomenalism; an Inquiry Into its Meaning and Justification
- 2.8 The Listening Self: Personal Growth, Social Change and the Closure of Metaphysics (Routledge Library Editions: Metaphysics)
- 2.9 #phenomenalism - 11oz Hashtag Ceramic Colored Handle and Inside Coffee Mug Cup, Black
- 2.10 The Town Butler #Phenomenalism - A Nice Comfortable Adjustable Hashtag Dad Hat Cap, Black
Videos
Phenomenalism, Phenomenology, and the Question of Time: A Comparative Study of the Theories of Mach, Husserl, and Boltzmann
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Berg, Adam (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 269 Pages - 12/15/2015 (Publication Date) - Lexington Books (Publisher)
Ernst Mach's Vienna 1895-1930: Or Phenomenalism as Philosophy of Science (Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science Book 218)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- English (Publication Language)
- 350 Pages - 03/14/2013 (Publication Date) - Springer (Publisher)
The Possibility of Spiritual Science: A Criticism of Materialism and Exclusive Phenomenalism
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Clay McCauley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 09/01/2018 (Publication Date) - HardPress (Publisher)
Introducing Empiricism: A Graphic Guide (Introducing...)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Robinson, Dave (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 176 Pages - 09/03/2015 (Publication Date) - Icon Books Ltd (Publisher)
Contemporary British Phenomenalism; an Inquiry Into its Meaning and Justification
- Wheatley, James Melville Owen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 584 Pages - 02/07/2018 (Publication Date) - Sagwan Press (Publisher)
#phenomenalism - 11oz Hashtag Ceramic Colored Handle and Inside Coffee Mug Cup, Black
- STURDY AND DURABLE - Our 11oz coffee mug features a durable construction, a clean and refined look, bright vibrant coloring and perfect printing. Premium ceramic used in the manufacturing process gives this mug a nice sturdy feel. The handle is smooth and perfectly sized for hands of all sizes.
- PERFECT GIFT - This is a great opportunity to give a gift for Valentine's Day, Christmas, Mother's day, Father's Day, Birthdays, Wedding Gifts, or any gift giving holiday. It is even great for groups, corporate events, bachelor or bachelorette events, parties, and more.
- SAFETY FIRST - This mug is dishwasher safe and microwave safe. That means you don't have to add to the already huge pile of dishes in your sink. You can drink without a care and then drop it into the dishwasher.
- PERFECT QUALITY PRINTING - All artwork is printed using our new nontoxic dye based ink process. This means the print can never peel or fade because it becomes one with the mug. We quality check each item before shipping to make sure it is the highest quality possible.
The Town Butler #Phenomenalism - A Nice Comfortable Adjustable Hashtag Dad Hat Cap, Black
- SOFT AND COMFORTABLE - 100% cotton make up the fabric content on this great Dad Hat. The visor of the hat features a four-row stitching with matching undervisor. With a lightweight and low profile feel this cap will keep you comfortable and protected from the elements. Durable contruction ensures this hat will last for a very long time.
- FEEL AND FIT - Yupoong has really out done themselves on this one. This 6245CM unstructured classic Dad hat has a 3 1/8" crown with a 6 panel design providing a nice low-profile feel. This is a one size fits all hat because it features an adjustable antique brass buckle closure on the back. This means you can adjust to any size fit you need. This hat might be called a Dad hat but it is perfect for women too with its open back.
- A PERFECT GIFT - This hat can make a great gift for that man or woman in your life on any gift giving holiday or even just because. Whether it is Christmas, Father's day, Mother's day, a birthday, or any holiday, this cap makes a really nice addition to any hat collection.
- OUTDOOR OR INDOOR USE - Great for any season or occasion. Whether you're an outdoor warrior or a couch ninja this hat works well in any situation. Wear it out to the bar, movies, hiking and you'll feel protected.
Last update 2020-04-05. Price and product availability may change.