Single Idea 1886

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

Full Idea

Induction cannot establish the universal by means of the particular, since limited particulars may omit crucial examples which disprove the universal, and infinite particulars are impossible to know.

Gist of Idea

If you don't view every particular, you may miss the one which disproves your universal induction

Source

Sextus Empiricus (Outlines of Pyrrhonism [c.180], II.204)

Book Reference

Sextus Empiricus: 'Outlines of Pyrrhonism', ed/tr. Bury,R.G. [Prometheus 1990], p.164