Article (Scientific journals)
The Fechner-Brentano controversy on the measurement of sensation
Seron, Denis
2011In Revue Roumaine de Philosophie, 55 (1), p. 87-102
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Keywords :
Brentano; Psychophysics; sensation; Fechner; intensity; measurement
Abstract :
[en] The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of Brentano's critique of Fechner's psychophysics. An attempt is made to show that, far from being a mere historical curiosity, the dispute with Fechner is of strategic importance for Brentano's theory of sensation. I defend the view that Brentano not only raised strong objections against the logarithmic law, but also sought to lay new foundations for the idea of a psychophysical measurement set forth by Fechner in his Elements of Psychophysics. In the first section, I briefly review some facts about Fechner's psychophysical law and discuss two corrections proposed by Brentano. In the second section, I examine some further, more general objections. In the final section, I then show how Brentano's late theory of "sensory spaces" could be viewed as a positive contribution to the psychophysical problem as posed by Fechner.
Research center :
Phénoménologies - ULiège
Disciplines :
Philosophy & ethics
Author, co-author :
Seron, Denis  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de philosophie > Phénoménologies
Language :
English
Title :
The Fechner-Brentano controversy on the measurement of sensation
Publication date :
2011
Journal title :
Revue Roumaine de Philosophie
ISSN :
1220-5400
Publisher :
Editura Academiei Române, Bucarest, Romania
Special issue title :
Franz Brentano et la philosophie
Volume :
55
Issue :
1
Pages :
87-102
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
since 28 June 2011

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