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Pragmatism
Mach developed his important thesis of the principle of economy and pragmatism in human thought from the notion of expediency and convenience. If we keep going by Mach's approach to knowledge and his strong positivist mindset, the principle of economy presented itself as a pragmatic doctrine. Pragmatism Explained -
Anti-Metaphysics
Mach's book, The Science of Mechanics, is known not only for the discussion of the conceptual monstrosity of absolute space that cannot be pointed to in experience, but also for announcing his goal to eliminate all metaphysical ideas from science. He even stated in the preface of the first edition that the intention of his work was anti-metaphysical enlightenment rather than drilling theorems of mechanics. -
Extreme Phenomenalism
Mach was well known as a phenomenalist. To him, the world consists of sensations for the common man and scientists alike. Mach’s phenomenalism is viewed as a hard-headed positivistic attempt to find alternative objectivity within a species-centered outlook (more than inter-subjectivity, but less than finality) during phenomena. Phenomenalism isn't necessarily a core part of his philosophy, so it is possible to accept the other aspects of his work while disagreeing with his phenomenalism. -
(Logical) Positivism
Mach was one of the most prominent opponents of the atomic theory in physics and chemistry. From the positivist’s perspective, since an atom can’t be seen, it was considered at best convenient fiction and at worst an illegitimate hypothesis. The Vienna Circle reached the conclusion that Mach’s empiricism, along with other philosophers, was inadequate because it failed to explain mathematical and logical truths, which led to the development of Logical Positivism.
