Single Idea 6775

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 2. Aims of Induction]

Full Idea

Induction can be seen as inference to the best explanation, where the explanation is a law.

Gist of Idea

Induction is inference to the best explanation, where the explanation is a law

Source

Alexander Bird (Philosophy of Science [1998], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.119


A Reaction

I like this. I increasingly think of explanation as central to rational thought, as the key route for empiricists to go beyond their immediate and verifiable experience. Laws can be probabilistic.