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phenomenalism

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

    • 0.1 Related:
  • 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)
    • 2.4 Phenomenalism Cartesian Doubt and Bomb #20
    • 2.5 Introducing Empiricism: A Graphic Guide (Introducing...)
    • 2.6 Contemporary British Phenomenalism; an Inquiry Into its Meaning and Justification
    • 2.7 The Existence of the World: An Introduction to Ontology (Routledge Library Editions: Metaphysics)
    • 2.8 got phenomenalism? - 20oz Stainless Steel White Water Bottle with Carabiner, White
    • 2.9 Tracy Gifts got Phenomenalism? - Beanie Skull Cap with Fleece Liner, Black
    • 2.10 Introverted But Willing To Discuss Phenomenalism - 20oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle, White

Related:

  • subjective idealism
  • immaterialism
  • idealism
  • British empiricists
  • materialism

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    • DURABLE AND STURDY - This water bottle is made of a premium quality stainless steel. It is thicker than most water bottles on the market making it sturdy and durable for everyday use.
    • SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS - This water bottle is not microwave safe and it is not dishwasher safe. It is a hand wash only item. Hand washing this water bottle will make it last even longer!
    • PERFECT FOR A 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, office parties, home decor, restaurants and bars and more.
    Check Price on Amazon
  • Last update 2020-06-17. Price and product availability may change.

    semantics

    panpsychism

    species essentialism

    nihilism

    logical relation theory of probability

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