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Both [Quine and Feyerabend] want to revise a version of…

“Both [Quine and Feyerabend] want to revise a version of positivism. Quine started with the Vienna Circle, and Feyerabend with the Copenhagen school of quantum mechanics. Both the Circle and the school have been called children of Ernst Mach; if so, the philosophies of Feyerabend and Quine must be…” quote by Ian Hacking
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““Both [Quine and Feyerabend] want to revise a version of positivism. Quine started with the Vienna Circle, and Feyerabend with the Copenhagen school of quantum mechanics. Both the Circle and the school have been called children of Ernst Mach; if so, the philosophies of Feyerabend and Quine must be his grandchildren.””

Ian Hacking

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Quine and Feyerabend both sought to update positivism, tracing their intellectual lineage to Mach via the Vienna Circle and Copenhagen school.

In simple terms: They revised positivism, linking it back to Mach.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how ideas evolve across generations.

Themes

philosophy history of science positivism

Mood

analytical reflective

Type

academic historical

When to use this quote

  • Academic discourse
  • teaching philosophy
  • research methodology

Key Concepts

Intellectual genealogy revisionism scientific paradigms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does lineage shape philosophical change?
  • What other traditions challenge this view?
A Different Perspective

May overlook non‑Western influences on positivism.

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