Abductive Argument

• A theory is probably true because the theory is the best that exists for the conclusion
• Compared to the alternatives the argument is best
• Many philosophers think scientific theories are commonly supposed by abduction
• Does not positively verify the conclusion
• Famous scientific examples
  • Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution
  • Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity
• "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." ~ Sherlock Holmes

Inference to the Best Explanation

• We conclude best available explanation of an observation is probably true
• It's the best available explanation, so it is true
• Simple IBE
  • If X is the only explanation we have for Y, then X is likely true
• Comparative IBE
  • If X is more probable than any other explanation for Y, then X is likely true

Philosophy Argument