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.
| 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) |
| ID Code: | 4657 |
| Deposited By: | Votsis, Ioannis |
| Deposited On: | 28 May 2009 |