A hypothetical entity posited purely as an explanatory cause inherits no determinate properties from the phenomena it purports to explain, leaving its existence underdetermined by any finite set of sensa.
?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
No one has weighed in yet. Be the first to share reasons for or against this statement.
Sign in or register to share your perspective on this statement.
Suggested or assumed to exist as a way to solve a problem, without proof that it actually does exist.
purports to explain(as used in philosophy of science)
Claims or seems to be the reason for; proposes to account for.
sensa(NE §373)
Percepta given by means of the sense organs of the body, as distinguished from mental states or spiritual data given by introspection
underdetermined(Used to contrast mathematical conjectures, whose correct answers are fixed by logical facts, with cases where no such determination exists.)
A decision or truth is underdetermined when logical facts alone do not fix a single correct answer.