Inductive Reasoning

• 발행기관: 서강대학교 신학연구소
• 저자명: Stephen S. Jayard
• 간행물 정보: 『신학과철학』신학과 철학 제17호, 1~29쪽, 전체 29쪽
• 주제분류: 인문학 > 기타인문학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2010.11.30

영문 초록

The debates over the validity of inductive reasoning don’t seem to be settled in the near future, if not for ever. All efforts to find a solution have so far met with little success. Hume’s scathing attack on the unjustifability of inductive reasoning is an embarrassing shock to the world of science, because science is built on induction. This also unseats the popular image of science that sees science as something qualitatively different from, superior to and ideal for any knowledge enterprise. Many proposals have been made in order to save the rational face of science, either by providing some sort of rational basis for inductive reasoning or by devising alternative scientific methods. But unfortunately all such attempts have been proved inadequate. The necessary reliance on inductive reasoning, which unfortunately lacks the deductive certainty, which is usually associated with science, seems to teach some basic lessons, not only for science, but also for human life. In this short essay I intend to discuss: i) The venerable tradition of inductive reasoning, ii) The inadequacy of the various attempts to solve or dissolve the problem of inductive reasoning, iii) Its inevitability though it is unjustified, and iv) Its implications for science and life.

목차

I. The Venerable Tradition of Inductive Reasoning

II. The Problematic Nature of Inductive Reasoning

III. Mixed Reactions to Inductive Reasoning

IV. Implications of the Insolubility of Inductive Reasoning for Science and Life.

V. Conclusion