This chapter defends counter-inductions against three pessimistic inductions: the classic pessimistic induction (CPI), the problem of unconceived alternatives (PUA), and the problem of misleading evidence (PME). The counter-induction against CPI holds that since earlier theories were false, it is likely that contemporary theories are true. The counter-induction against PUA holds that since past scientists could not exhaust sets of alternatives, it is likely that current scientists can exhaust sets of alternatives. The counter-induction against PME holds that since the evidence for past theories was misleading, it is likely that the evidence for current theories is truth-leading.

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The Pessimistic Inductions vs. the Counter-Inductions

  • Seungbae Park

摘要

This chapter defends counter-inductions against three pessimistic inductions: the classic pessimistic induction (CPI), the problem of unconceived alternatives (PUA), and the problem of misleading evidence (PME). The counter-induction against CPI holds that since earlier theories were false, it is likely that contemporary theories are true. The counter-induction against PUA holds that since past scientists could not exhaust sets of alternatives, it is likely that current scientists can exhaust sets of alternatives. The counter-induction against PME holds that since the evidence for past theories was misleading, it is likely that the evidence for current theories is truth-leading.