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Single Idea 13607

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

Full Idea

If one believes, as Hume did, that all events are loose and separate, then the problem of induction is probably insoluble.

Gist of Idea

If events are unconnected, then induction cannot be solved

Source

Brian Ellis (Scientific Essentialism [2001], 8.09)

Book Ref

Ellis,Brian: 'Scientific Essentialism' [CUP 2007], p.283


A Reaction

This points to the essentialist solution of induction - that we can genuinely derive inductive truths if we can inductively identify the essences which give rise to the necessities of further cases. I take that to be a correct account.