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Definition:
The Problem of Induction is a question about just how far we can go in justifying our
beliefs when using inductive arguments. Whenever we make observations about the world,
we can only accumulate a limited spectrum of data - we cannot observe every single
swan in the world, for example; instead, we can only observe some of them. Given that
fact, to what extent are generalizations about all swans justified? Or are any
generalizations about all swans justified?
Sometimes, our generalizations are definitely not justified - for example, if all of the coins in my pocket are gold, I cannot therefore conclude that any coin I put in my pocked will also be gold. On the other hand, some generalizations are justified - for example if I observe that water in my kitchen always boils at 100 degrees Celsius, then I am justified in concluding that the next pot of water I try to boil will boil when it reaches 100 degrees Celsius. How do we distinguish between the two types of cases? What differentiates legitimate predictions from lucky guesses?
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Related Resources:
What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
