Single Idea 19387

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 2. Aims of Induction]

Full Idea

We construct a hypothesis on the basis of an induction, that is on the basis of a comparison of experiences.

Gist of Idea

Hypotheses come from induction, which is comparison of experiences

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Elements of Law and Justice [1669], p.2)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.2


A Reaction

This fits the traditional positivist picture of science (observe-hypothesise-predict-observe). I like the definition of induction as 'comparison of experiences', because it doesn't reduce it to sequences of objects, and points to coherence.