Single Idea 22176

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

Full Idea

Some philosophers use 'inductive' to just mean not deductive, …but we reserve it for inferences from examined to unexamined instances of a given kind.

Gist of Idea

Induction is inferences from examined to unexamined instances of a given kind

Source

Samir Okasha (Philosophy of Science: Very Short Intro (2nd ed) [2016], 2)

Book Reference

Okasha,Samir: 'Philosophy of Science: very short intro (2nd ed)' [OUP 2016], p.24


A Reaction

The instances must at least be comparable. Must you know the kind before you start? Surely you can examine a sequence of things, trying to decide whether or not they are of one kind? Is checking the uniformity of a kind induction?