Interpreting Ernst Mach: Critical Essays

Erik Banks, to whom this volume is dedicated, was at the forefront of the major recent re-evaluation of the works of physicist, psychologist and philosopher Ernst Mach. This volume presents the latest in-depth research on Mach’s work and thought. Moving decisively away from previous estimations of Mach as a pre-logical positivist, the papers pursue 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 the Vienna Circle