[The psychophysiological founding of the analogy concept by Ernst Mach].

Abstract

Ernst Mach's (1838-1916) epistemology demands that concepts be consistent with every possible known empirical fact. Ideas are brought into conformity with one another as well as with facts. In the long run, however, facts take precedence. Otherwise, Mach preceived the danger that concepts would not be subjected to any kind of empirical controls and would thus become arbitrary, i.e., 'metaphysical' in the Machian sense. Mach consistently deduced his concept of analogy from Darwin's theory of evolution, hence from the biological, psychophysiological and cultural foundations of our human thought. Facts from biology, psychology or anthropology, for example, form the bases of a monistic concept of 'analogy'. Mach's considerations had substantial impact not only on scientific research but also on the training of aspiring scientists.