Single Idea 16834

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 5. Paradoxes of Induction / b. Raven paradox]

Full Idea

Without something like a hypothesis about the genes of ravens, we simply do not know what would count as a relevantly similar bird for comparison.

Gist of Idea

To pick a suitable contrast to ravens, we need a hypothesis about their genes

Source

Peter Lipton (Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) [2004], 06 'Unsuitable')

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.99


A Reaction

Lipton is endorsing the view that explanation should be 'contrastive', as well as aiming to discover the inner nature of ravens. He makes a good case for the contrastive approach.