Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Herodotus, J Pollock / J Cruz and Alexander

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1 idea

14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation
Scientific confirmation is best viewed as inference to the best explanation [Pollock/Cruz]
     Full Idea: The confirmation of scientific theories is probably best viewed in terms of inference to the best explanation.
     From: J Pollock / J Cruz (Contemporary theories of Knowledge (2nd) [1999], §2.3.3.3)
     A reaction: A simple claim, but one with which I strongly agree. 'Inference', of course, implies that there is some fairly strict logical thinking going on, which may not be so. I suspect that dogs can move to the best explanation. It is, though, a rational process.