Problem of Induction

• Philosophical question whether inductive reasoning (inductive argument) leads to knowledge
  • Inductive logic can only provide a conclusion that probably true
• Most famous proposition by David Hume
• Are we justified in accepting the principle of uniformity of nature?
  • There is no reason it is impossible for this principle to break down
• Using induction to prove the principle of uniformity of nature is circular
  • Therefore not justified
• Questions posed by David Hume
  • Are our ordinary standards of reasonableness themselves reasonable?
  • Are our ordinary standards for induction reasonable?
    • Are inductive arguments reliable?
• We lack justification for
  • Generalizations about properties of objects based on observations
    • E.g. all swans we have seen are white so all swans are white
  • Presupposing that a sequence of events in the future will occur as it has in the past
    • E.g. The Sun will rise tomorrow
    • Principle of uniformity of nature (uniformitarianism)

Philosophy