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Single Idea 13055

[from 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation' by Wesley Salmon, in 14. Science / C. Induction / 4. Reason in Induction ]

Full Idea

Inductive logicians have a 'requirement of total evidence': induction is strong if 1) it has true premises, 2) it has correct inductive form, and 3) no additional evidence that would change the degree of support is available at the time.

Gist of Idea

Good induction needs 'total evidence' - the absence at the time of any undermining evidence

Source

Wesley Salmon (Four Decades of Scientific Explanation [1989], 2.4.2)

Book Reference

Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.55


A Reaction

The evidence might be very close at hand, but not quite 'available' to the person doing the induction.