Single Idea 16835

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

Full Idea

Like Mill's Method of Difference, applications of the Method of Agreement are naturally construed as inferences to the best explanation.

Gist of Idea

The Methods of Difference and of Agreement are forms of inference to the best explanation

Source

report of John Stuart Mill (System of Logic [1843], 3.07/8) by Peter Lipton - Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) 06 'The Method'

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.99


A Reaction

This sort of thoroughly sensible approach to understanding modes of investigation has been absurdly sidelined by the desire to 'deduce' observations from 'laws'. Scientific investigation is no different from enquiry in daily life. Where are my glasses?

Related Ideas

Idea 16805 Causal inference is by spotting either Agreements or Differences [Mill, by Lipton]

Idea 16843 Mill's methods (Difference,Agreement,Residues,Concomitance,Hypothesis) don't nail induction [Mill, by Lipton]