Philosophie Des Als Ob -

Hans Vaihinger’s (The Philosophy of 'As If'), published in 1911, is a landmark work in epistemology and legal/scientific theory. It posits that human beings often use "fictions"—statements or concepts known to be false—to navigate a complex reality and achieve practical goals. Core Concept: The Productive Fiction Vaihinger distinguishes between hypotheses and fictions .

Vaihinger argues that our most fundamental concepts—atoms, infinity, the "social contract," and even free will—are fictions. We cannot prove they exist, but we cannot function effectively without them. Philosophie Des Als Ob

A claim that expects to be verified by reality (e.g., "It will rain tomorrow"). Hans Vaihinger’s (The Philosophy of 'As If'), published

Used "fictional finalism" in psychology to explain how people are motivated by future goals that may not be "true" but provide direction. published in 1911