Single Idea 6360

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation]

Full Idea

The confirmation of scientific theories is probably best viewed in terms of inference to the best explanation.

Gist of Idea

Scientific confirmation is best viewed as inference to the best explanation

Source

J Pollock / J Cruz (Contemporary theories of Knowledge (2nd) [1999], §2.3.3.3)

Book Reference

Pollock,J.L./Cruz,J: 'Contemporary Theories of Knowledge (2nd)' [Rowman and Littlefield 1999], p.41


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.