Single Idea 16845

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 1. Induction]

Full Idea

The notion of cause is the root of the whole theory of induction.

Gist of Idea

The whole theory of induction rests on causes

Source

John Stuart Mill (System of Logic [1843], 3.05.2), quoted by Peter Lipton - Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) 08 'From cause'

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.132


A Reaction

This sounds much better to me than the Humean view that it rests on the psychology of regularity and habit. However, maybe Hume describes induction, and Mill is adding abduction (inference to the best explanation).