Tuesday, November 21, 2006

wittgenstein on w james

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:-ESbfhUuGOAJ:www.phil.mq.edu.au/research/preprints/sutton/sutton-ch2.pdf+%22pneumatic+theory%22+folk+psychology&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2

How needed is the work of philosophy is shown by James'
psychology. Psychology, he says, is a science, but he
discusses almost no scientific questions. His movements
are merely (so many) attempts to extricate himself from
the cobwebs of metaphysics in which he is caught. He
cannot yet walk, or fly at all he only wriggles. Not
that that isn't interesting. Only it is not a
scientific activity.
(Wittgenstein MS 165:150-1, in Hilmy 1987:196-7)

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