Single Idea 15694

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 3. Limits of Induction]

Full Idea

We suggest that children overestimate the power of a single example.

Gist of Idea

Children overestimate the power of a single example

Source

Susan A. Gelman (The Essential Child [2003], 06 'The role')

Book Reference

Gelman,Susan A.: 'The Essential Child' [OUP 2005], p.147


A Reaction

This conclusion arises from extensive psychological research. 'My grandma smoked, and she lived to be 97' - adults do this too. Wittgenstein says assuming other minds because of your own is induction from one example!

Related Idea

Idea 5663 It is irresponsible to generalise from my own case of pain to other people's [Wittgenstein]