Single Idea 12769

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

Full Idea

The very phrase 'inference to the best explanation' should wave a red flag for us. What is good, better, best? What values are slipped in here, under a common name, and where do they come from?

Gist of Idea

Inference to best explanation contains all sorts of hidden values

Source

Bas C. van Fraassen (The Empirical Stance [2002], 1.5)

Book Reference

Fraassen,Bas van: 'The Empirical Stance' [Yale 2002], p.14


A Reaction

A point worth making, but overstated. If we are going to refuse to make judgements for fear that some wicked 'value' might creep in, our lives will be reduced to absurdity.