Elements of Psychophysics, Vol. I

PREFACE.

II.

By psychophysics—following the explanation provided in more detail in Chapter 2—I mean a doctrine that, although ancient in its objective, is presented here in such a new way regarding its framing and treatment that the new name should be found neither unfitting nor unnecessary. In short, it is an exact science of the functional relationships between the body and the soul German: Leib und Seele. This refers to the classical philosophical "mind-body problem," which Fechner sought to solve through mathematical means..

As an exact science, psychophysics—much like physics—must be grounded in experience and the mathematical connection of empirical facts. This requires a means of measurement measure (German: Mass): a standardized scale used to quantify observations for what experience provides and, where such a measure is not yet available, seeking it out. Since the measurement of physical quantities already exists, the primary task of this work will be to establish a measurement for mental German: psychischen. In this historical scientific context, "psychic" refers to sensory and mental phenomena rather than the supernatural. quantities, which has been lacking until now. The second task will be to explore the practical applications and developments arising from this.

It will be shown that establishing a mental measurement is not merely a matter for the scholar’s desk or philosophical insight original: Aperçus. This refers to a brief summary or an intuitive grasp of a subject., but requires a broad foundation in experience. Based on both my own investigations and those of others, I believe I have provided sufficient evidence here to secure the principle of this measurement, and enough examples of its application that its utility will be recognized. However—