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Single Idea 5190

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

Full Idea

The problem of induction is (roughly) finding a way to prove that certain empirical generalisations which are derived from past experience will hold good also in the future.

Gist of Idea

The induction problem is to prove generalisations about the future based on the past

Source

A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.2)

Book Ref

Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.66

A Reaction

This doesn't seem to be the only problem. It seems self-evident (since Hume) that you cannot use deductive reasoning to prove that the future will be like the past. In fact, we should obviously be cautious, as things could easily change.

The 14 ideas with the same theme [possible targets for inductive thinking]:

1683 We learn universals from many particulars [Aristotle]
16576 Science is based on induction, for general truths about fire, rhubarb and magnets [Buridan]
19387 Hypotheses come from induction, which is comparison of experiences [Leibniz]
2198 We assume similar secret powers behind similar experiences, such as the nourishment of bread [Hume]
19234 'Induction' doesn't capture Greek 'epagoge', which is singulars in a mass producing the general [Peirce]
17631 Induction is inferring premises from consequences [Russell]
2941 Induction accepts the simplest law that fits our experiences [Wittgenstein]
5190 The induction problem is to prove generalisations about the future based on the past [Ayer]
19462 Induction passes from particular facts to other particulars, or to general laws, non-deductively [Ayer]
21748 More careful inductions gradually lead to the hypothetico-deductive method [Quine]
3095 Induction is an attempt to increase the coherence of our explanations [Harman]
9661 Induction is just reasonable methods of inferring the unobserved from the observed [Lewis]
3709 Induction must go beyond the evidence, in order to explain why the evidence occurred [Bonjour]
6775 Induction is inference to the best explanation, where the explanation is a law [Bird]