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Reconsidering the Miracle Argument on the Supposition of Transient Underdetermination

Hoyningen-Huene, Paul (2009) Reconsidering the Miracle Argument on the Supposition of Transient Underdetermination. In: [2008] Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Underdetermination Workshop (Düsseldorf April 10-12, 2008).

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    Abstract

    In this paper, I will show that the Miracle Argument is unsound if one assumes a certain form of transient underdetermination. For this aim, I will first discuss and formalize several variants of underdetermination, especially that of transient underdetermination, by means of measure theory. I will then formalize a popular and persuasive form of the Miracle Argument that is based on “use novelty”. I will then proceed to the proof that the miracle argument is unsound by means of a mathematical example. Finally, I will expose two hidden presuppositions of the Miracle Argument that make it so immensely though deceptively persuasive.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: no miracles argument, underdetermination, novel prediction, use novelty.
    Subjects: General Issues > Theory Change
    General Issues > Theory/Observation
    General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
    Conferences and Volumes: [2008] Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Underdetermination Workshop (Düsseldorf April 10-12, 2008)
    Depositing User: Ioannis Votsis
    Date Deposited: 28 May 2009
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:18
    Item ID: 4657
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/4657

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