Empirical and Abstract Objects

Abstract

D1. Real empirical objects are objects which are reflected by the investigator through his natural (sense-) apparatus of reflection, which act on this apparatus (are sensed, perceived), and are observed by the investigator. Observation can be carried out with the help of instruments which multiply the capacity of sense reflection and can be ordered in space and time as a series of such acts of reflection. The problem of the existence of such objects is (ultimately) solved by the possibility of their being observed (by the investigator in question or by others who are trustworthy). If the investigator decides on the existence of such objects in the past or in a place where he cannot observe them, an implicit assumption is made, to wit if the investigator could transpose himself in space or time to a position relative to this object, the latter would be accessible to observation.