Single Idea 16855

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / c. Against best explanation]

Full Idea

The best theory is almost always boring. …The claim that all planets move in ellipses is interesting, and the claim that some do not is not interesting.

Gist of Idea

The best theory is boring: compare 'all planets move elliptically' with 'most of them do'

Source

Peter Lipton (Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) [2004], 09 'Is the best')

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.156


A Reaction

This applies to any extraction of a universal 'law' by induction. The best theory just affirms what has been observed. How could generalising about what you haven't observed be 'better'? Answer: because it goes via the essence.