Single Idea 19235

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

Full Idea

Induction can never make a first suggestion.

Gist of Idea

How does induction get started?

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Reasoning and the Logic of Things [1898], II)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Reasoning and the Logic of Things', ed/tr. Ketner,K.L. [Harvard 1992], p.139


A Reaction

This seems to lead to the general modern problem of the 'theory-laden' nature of observation. You don't see anything at all without some idea of what you are looking for. How do you spot the 'next instance'. Instance of what? Nice.