It would not become physical science to see in its self created, changeable, economical tools, molecules and atoms, realities behind phenomena... The atom must remain a tool for representing phenomena.
Ernst MachRead
Bodies do not produce sensations, but complexes of elements (complexes of sensations) make up bodies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that our perception of bodies is not based on the bodies themselves, but rather on the sensations and experiences they create.
Ernst Mach emphasizes the distinction between physical bodies and the sensations they evoke in our minds. He argues that it is not the body that produces sensations directly; instead, it is the complex interactions and elements of sensations that give rise to our understanding and perception of what a body is. This perspective highlights the philosophical inquiry into the nature of reality and perception, suggesting that our experiences shape our understanding of the physical world.
Themes
PerceptionSensationsPhilosophyExperienceBodies
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of reality, this quote can be introduced to highlight the complexity of perception.
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