Interpreting Mach
Critical Essays

A collection of new essays on Ernst Mach's scientific and philosophical thought by leading Mach scholars.

John Preston (Edited by)

9781108463287, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 November 2022

299 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.437 kg

'An important addition to the literature on modern philosophy and the philosophy of science … Recommended.' J. R. Shook, Choice Magazine

This volume presents new essays on the work and thought of physicist, psychologist, and philosopher Ernst Mach. Moving away from previous estimations of Mach as a pre-logical positivist, the essays reflect his rehabilitation as a thinker of direct relevance to debates in the contemporary philosophies of natural science, psychology, metaphysics, and mind. Topics covered include Mach's work on acoustical psychophysics and physics; his ideas on analogy and the principle of conservation of energy; the correct interpretation of his scheme of 'elements' and its relationship to his 'historical-critical' method; the relationship of his thought to movements such as American pragmatism, realism, and neutral monism, as well as to contemporary figures such as Friedrich Nietzsche; and the reception and influence of his works in Germany and Austria, particularly by the Vienna Circle.

Introduction: A New Mach for a New Millennium John Preston
1. Ernst Mach's Piano and the Making of a Psychophysical Imaginarium Alexandra Hui
2. Mother's Milk, and More: On the Role of Ernst Mach's Relational Physics in the Development of Einstein's Theory of Relativity Richard Staley
3. Meaningful Work: Ernst Mach on Energy Conservation Daan Wegener
4. Mach on Analogy in Science S. G. Sterrett
5. Ernst Mach's Enlightenment Pragmatism: History and Economy in Scientific Cognition Thomas Uebel
6. On the Philosophical and Scientific Relationship between Ernst Mach and William James Alexander Klein
7. Ernst Mach and Friedrich Nietzsche: On the Prejudices of Scientists Pietro Gori
8. Abstraction, Pragmatism, and History in Mach's Economy of Science Lydia Patton
9. Holding the Hand of History: Mach on the History of Science, the Analysis of Sensations, and the Economy of Thought Luca Guzzardi
10. Ernst Mach and the Vienna Circle: A Re-evaluation of the Reception and Influence of his Work Friedrich Stadler
11. Narratives Divided: The Austrian and the German Mach Michael Stöltzner
12. Phenomenalism, or Neutral Monism, in Mach's Analysis of Sensations? John Preston
13. The Case for Mach's Neutral Monism Erik C. Banks.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA], Philosophy of mind [HPM]