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Clarifying some misconceptions in interpreting Ernst Mach's views on thought experiments.

Kabir S Bakshi1

  • 1Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.

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Summary

Ernst Mach

Keywords:
Bucket argumentEmpiricismMachThought experiments

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • History of Physics

Background:

  • Ernst Mach's views on thought experiments are debated.
  • A recent interpretation posits Mach required continuity with experience for thought experiments.
  • This interpretation attempts to resolve apparent contradictions in Mach's critique of Newton versus his own 'Mach's principle'.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the interpretation that Mach's thought experiments must strictly adhere to empirical experience.
  • To offer an alternative reading of Mach's critique of Newton's bucket argument.
  • To re-evaluate Mach's empiricism.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of Ernst Mach's writings.
  • Close reading of Mach's critique of Newton's bucket argument.
  • Examination of Mach's 'Mach's principle'.

Main Results:

  • Mach's critique of Newton does not hinge on the illegitimate use of thought experiments.
  • The critique targets Newton's illegitimate use of thoughts within thought experiments.
  • This distinction offers a clearer understanding of Mach's position.

Conclusions:

  • Mach's views on thought experiments are more nuanced than strict empiricism suggests.
  • A revised interpretation reveals Mach's critique of Newton is not about empirical boundaries.
  • Mach's engagement with speculative reasoning is compatible with his philosophical stance.