What is induction Does it work

A detailed Summary of What is induction Does it work

In this essay I will begin by explaining what induction actually is. Then I will highlight the difference between induction as a form of reasoning and deduction in an attempt to clarify the main 'Problem with induction'. Next I will go through a number of different philosophers attempts to deal with this problem as well as pointing out a number of extra problems with induction. Finally concluding with my opinion on how to deal with these daunting problems of induction.

Induction is a form of reasoning on which most if not all of science is based. Everyday life is also heavily dependent on it. It works by drawing a universal theory from a finite number of empirical observations.

A simple example of induction could be demonstrated by asking a person whether the sun will rise tomorrow morning. That person will, more then likely, answer 'Yes'. If you ask them how they know this to be true however they will probably say something like 'Because the sun rises every morning'. By 'every morning' the subject means every morning that he has observed. Although this example appears to be true and self evident, it is not logically correct to go from a finite number of observations in the past to a definite pred

Inductivists argue that Popper's theory just refuses to recognise the problem of induction, for if scientific theories are simply bold conjectures then there is no rational basis for believing predictions of the future. Clearly however, it is rational to at least attempt to predict the future for example: If a dog starts growling at you it would be rational not to go any closer to it because the obvious prediction if you do is that the dog will bite you.

K.Popper, The Logic Of Scientific Discovery, (London: Hutchinson, 1968).

It is important at this point to explain the difference between induction and deduction. Deduction is an argument, where, if the premises are correct then the conclusion is necessarily correct. I.e. If P then Q. P. Therefore Q. For example:

Bertrand Russell recognises the problems with induction but wants to hold on to it never the less, as it is so useful in every day life. He attempts to deal with it by using probability. For example:

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Bertrand Russell, A's B's, Falsificationism Popper, Karl Poppers, London Hutchinson, Philosophy Oxford, Milton Keynes, form reasoning, conclusion contains information, dark cloudy day, brick thrown window, bold conjectures, 'problem induction', correct ie, attempts deal, thrown window window, window window, induction form reasoning, inductive reasoning, cloudy day, induction induction, dark cloudy,

Approximate Word count = 1211
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

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What is induction Does it work

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