more on this theme
|
more from this text
Single Idea 4634
[filed under theme 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation
]
Full Idea
There are some 'principles of selection' in abduction: 1) prefer simple explanations, 2) prefer coherent explanations (consistent with what is already held true), 3) prefer theories that make testable predictions, and 4) be comprehensive in scope.
Clarification
'Abduction' is inference to the best explanation
Gist of Idea
Abduction aims at simplicity, testability, coherence and comprehensiveness
Source
J Baggini / PS Fosl (The Philosopher's Toolkit [2003], §2.01)
Book Ref
Baggini,J and Fosl,P.S.: 'The Philosopher's Toolkit' [Blackwells 2003], p.38
A Reaction
Note that these are desirable, but not necessary (pace Ockham and Ayer). I cannot think of anything to add to the list, so I will adopt it. Abduction is the key to rationality.
The
18 ideas
from J Baggini / PS Fosl
|
4582
|
Basic beliefs are self-evident, or sensual, or intuitive, or revealed, or guaranteed
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4584
|
The problem of induction is how to justify our belief in the uniformity of nature
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4583
|
How can an argument be good induction, but poor deduction?
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4629
|
Consistency is the cornerstone of rationality
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4632
|
'Natural' systems of deduction are based on normal rational practice, rather than on axioms
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4631
|
In ideal circumstances, an axiom should be such that no rational agent could possibly object to its use
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4633
|
You cannot rationally deny the principle of non-contradiction, because all reasoning requires it
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4634
|
Abduction aims at simplicity, testability, coherence and comprehensiveness
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4635
|
Dialectic aims at unified truth, unlike analysis, which divides into parts
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4637
|
To see if an explanation is the best, it is necessary to investigate the alternative explanations
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4638
|
The principle of bivalence distorts reality, as when claiming that a person is or is not 'thin'
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4639
|
Leibniz's Law is about the properties of objects; the Identity of Indiscernibles is about perception of objects
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4640
|
If identity is based on 'true of X' instead of 'property of X' we get the Masked Man fallacy ('I know X but not Y')
[Baggini /Fosl, by PG]
|
|
4643
|
The Principle of Sufficient Reason does not presuppose that all explanations will be causal explanations
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4644
|
A proposition such as 'some swans are purple' cannot be falsified, only verified
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4646
|
Is 'events have causes' analytic a priori, synthetic a posteriori, or synthetic a priori?
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4645
|
'A priori' does not concern how you learn a proposition, but how you show whether it is true or false
[Baggini /Fosl]
|
|
4647
|
'I have the same car as you' is fine; 'I have the same fiancée as you' is not so good
[Baggini /Fosl]
|