Single Idea 11951

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / a. Explanation]

Full Idea

In his 'shade of blue' example, Hume is (sensibly) endorsing a type of reasoning - interpolation - that is widely used by rational thinkers. Too bad that interpolation and extrapolation are incurably invalid.

Clarification

Hume admits he might know a shade of blue he had never experienced

Gist of Idea

Hume allows interpolation, even though it and extrapolation are not actually valid

Source

George Molnar (Powers [1998], 7.2.3)

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.123


A Reaction

Interpolation and extrapolation are two aspects of inductive reasoning which contribute to our notion of best explanation. Empiricism has to allow at least some knowledge which goes beyond strict direct experience.

Related Ideas

Idea 23421 If a person had a gap in their experience of blue shades, they could imaginatively fill it in [Hume]

Idea 5572 Reason has logical and transcendental faculties [Kant]