As a result of using inference to the best explanation (IBE), we gain confidence in the belief that a true hypothesis is more likely to be conceived than unconceived, and in the belief that the world is explainable. Therefore, the use of IBE is required for these two beliefs to be justified rather than the other way around. However, van Fraassen’s argument from a bad lot and de Ray’s argument from a brute fact presuppose erroneously that the two beliefs are required for IBE to be justified. This false presupposition results in excessive requirements on the use of IBE, in skepticism about our best scientific theories, and in backfires on van Fraassen’s use of IBE and de Ray’s use of IBE.