Archimedean point: Difference between revisions
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An '''Archimedean point''' (or "Punctum Archimedis") is a hypothetical vantage point from which an observer can objectively perceive the subject of inquiry, with a view of totality. The ideal of "removing oneself" from the object of study so that one can see it in relation to all other things, but remain independent of them, is described by a view from an Archimedean point. <ref>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095422175 Archimedean Point]. [[Oxford Reference - Oxford University Press]]. Retrieved 18 April 2014.</ref> For example, the philosopher [[John Rawls]] uses the [[heuristic]] device of the [[original position]] in an attempt to remove the particular [[biases]] of individual [[agency (philosophy)|agents]] in an attempt to demonstrate how [[Rational Choice Theory|rational beings]] might arrive at an [[objectivity (philosophy)|objective]] formulation of [[justice]].<ref>[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/communitarianism/#UniVerPar Communitarianism]. [[Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy]]. Retrieved 15 February 2013.</ref> |
An '''Archimedean point''' (or "Punctum Archimedis") is a hypothetical vantage point from which an observer can objectively perceive the subject of inquiry, with a view of totality. The ideal of "removing oneself" from the object of study so that one can see it in relation to all other things, but remain independent of them, is described by a view from an Archimedean point. <ref>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095422175 Archimedean Point]. [[Oxford Reference - Oxford University Press]]. Retrieved 18 April 2014.</ref> For example, the philosopher [[John Rawls]] uses the [[heuristic]] device of the [[original position]] in an attempt to remove the particular [[biases]] of individual [[agency (philosophy)|agents]] in an attempt to demonstrate how [[Rational Choice Theory|rational beings]] might arrive at an [[objectivity (philosophy)|objective]] formulation of [[justice]].<ref>[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/communitarianism/#UniVerPar Communitarianism]. [[Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy]]. Retrieved 15 February 2013.</ref> |
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The expression comes from [[Archimedes]], who supposedly claimed that he could lift the [[Earth]] off its foundation if he were given a place to stand, one solid point, and a long enough lever. This is also mentioned in Descartes' second meditation with regards to finding certainty, the 'unmovable point' Archimedes sought.<ref>{{cite web | title = Quotations about Archimedes Lever | url = http://www.math.nyu.edu/~crorres/Archimedes/Lever/LeverQuotes.html | accessdate = 2009-01-23| archiveurl= |
The expression comes from [[Archimedes]], who supposedly claimed that he could lift the [[Earth]] off its foundation if he were given a place to stand, one solid point, and a long enough lever. This is also mentioned in Descartes' second meditation with regards to finding certainty, the 'unmovable point' Archimedes sought.<ref>{{cite web | title = Quotations about Archimedes Lever | url = http://www.math.nyu.edu/~crorres/Archimedes/Lever/LeverQuotes.html | accessdate = 2009-01-23| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090126130558/http://www.math.nyu.edu/~crorres/Archimedes/Lever/LeverQuotes.html| archivedate= 26 January 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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[[Sceptical]] and [[anti-realist]] philosophers criticise the possibility of an Archimedean point, claiming it is a form of [[scientism]].<ref>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095422175 Archimedean Point]. [[Oxford Reference - Oxford University Press]]. Retrieved 18 April 2014.</ref> |
[[Sceptical]] and [[anti-realist]] philosophers criticise the possibility of an Archimedean point, claiming it is a form of [[scientism]].<ref>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095422175 Archimedean Point]. [[Oxford Reference - Oxford University Press]]. Retrieved 18 April 2014.</ref> |
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Revision as of 03:51, 1 September 2016
 | This article's initial explanation needs additional citations for verification. (January 2009) |
An Archimedean point (or "Punctum Archimedis") is a hypothetical vantage point from which an observer can objectively perceive the subject of inquiry, with a view of totality. The ideal of "removing oneself" from the object of study so that one can see it in relation to all other things, but remain independent of them, is described by a view from an Archimedean point. [1] For example, the philosopher John Rawls uses the heuristic device of the original position in an attempt to remove the particular biases of individual agents in an attempt to demonstrate how rational beings might arrive at an objective formulation of justice.[2]
The expression comes from Archimedes, who supposedly claimed that he could lift the Earth off its foundation if he were given a place to stand, one solid point, and a long enough lever. This is also mentioned in Descartes' second meditation with regards to finding certainty, the 'unmovable point' Archimedes sought.[3]
Sceptical and anti-realist philosophers criticise the possibility of an Archimedean point, claiming it is a form of scientism.[4]
Example quote: "We can no more separate our theories and concepts from our data and percepts than we can find a true Archimedean point—a god’s-eye view—of ourselves and our world." [5]
See also
- Observer effect (physics)
- Subject-object problem
- Objectivity (philosophy)
- Objectivity (science)
- The Aleph (short story)
References
- ^ Archimedean Point. Oxford Reference - Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ Communitarianism. Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ^ "Quotations about Archimedes Lever". Archived from the original on 26 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Archimedean Point. Oxford Reference - Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ Shermer, Michael. "The Really Hard Science". Scientific American. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
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