Single Idea 15287

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 5. Paradoxes of Induction / b. Raven paradox]

Full Idea

The generating mechanism that produces black raven-like beings is assumed in the according of potential law status to the statement that all ravens are black.

Gist of Idea

The possibility that all ravens are black is a law depends on a mechanism producing the blackness

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 7.III)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.129


A Reaction

This is a very nice succinct statement of what I take to be the scientific essentialist view of induction. It isn't about building up Humean habits of regularity, but of gradually inferring explanatory mechanisms, which might even give necessities.

Related Idea

Idea 16832 If something in ravens makes them black, it may be essential (definitive of ravens) [Lipton]