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Single Idea 9163

[filed under theme 14. Science / C. Induction / 1. Induction ]

Full Idea

If some inductive rule is basic for us, in the sense that we never assess it using any rules other than itself, then it must be one that we treat as empirically indefeasible (hence as fully a priori, given that it will surely have default status).

Gist of Idea

If we only use induction to assess induction, it is empirically indefeasible, and hence a priori

Source

Hartry Field (Apriority as an Evaluative Notion [2000], 4)

Book Ref

'New Essays on the A Priori', ed/tr. Boghossian,P /Peacocke,C [OUP 2000], p.133


A Reaction

This follows on from Field's account of a priori knowledge. See Ideas 9160 and 9164. I think of induction as simply learning from experience, but if experience goes mad I will cease to trust it. (A rationalist view).

Related Ideas

Idea 9160 Lots of propositions are default reasonable, but the a priori ones are empirically indefeasible [Field,H]

Idea 9164 We treat basic rules as if they were indefeasible and a priori, with no interest in counter-evidence [Field,H]