Single Idea 17027

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 1. Induction]

Full Idea

In experimental philosophy, propositions are deduced from the phenomena and are made general by induction.

Gist of Idea

Science deduces propositions from phenomena, and generalises them by induction

Source

Isaac Newton (Principia Mathematica [1687], Bk 3 Gen Schol)

Book Reference

Newton,Isaac: 'Philosophical Writings' [CUP 2004], p.92


A Reaction

Sounds easy, but generalising by induction requires all sorts of assumptions about the stability of natural kinds. Since the kinds are only arrived at by induction, it is not easy to give a proper account here.