Can Rationalist Abductivism Solve the Problem of Induction?

Beebe, James (2008) Can Rationalist Abductivism Solve the Problem of Induction?.

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Abstract

According to Laurence BonJour, the problem of induction can be solved by recognizing the a priori necessity that inductive conclusions constitute the best explanations of inductive premises. I defend an interpretation of the key probability claims BonJour makes about inductive premises and show that they are not susceptible to many of the objections that have been lodged against them. I then argue that these purportedly necessary probability claims nevertheless remain deeply problematic and that, as a result, BonJour's proposal fails to provide a satisfactory resolution of the problem of induction.

Keywords:problem of induction, rationalism, abductivism
Subjects:General Issues: Confirmation/Induction
ID Code:3961
Deposited By:Beebe, James
Deposited On:28 March 2008