Boltzmann, Mach and Wittgenstein’s Vienna

Abstract

Abstract Focusing particularly on the work of Ernst Mach, this paper explores some of the epistemological ground shared between Ludwig Boltzmann and Mach, and offers an account of links between Mach’s published work in psychophysical investigations of the relations between physical and physiological phenomena and his unpublished lectures in physics, to indicate that Mach’s understanding of the scope of the sciences and philosophy – and his intent to move between inner and outer – was as expansive as Wittgenstein’s, and that both aimed to develop a thoroughly consistent approach.