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Cosmological Inflation and Meta-Empirical Theory Assessment

Wolf, William J. (2023) Cosmological Inflation and Meta-Empirical Theory Assessment. [Preprint]

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Abstract

I apply Dawid's Meta-Empirical Assessment (MEA) methodology to the theory of cosmological inflation. I argue that applying this methodology does not currently offer a compelling case for ascribing non-empirical confirmation to cosmological inflation. In particular, I argue that despite displaying strong instances of Unexpected Explanatory Coherence (UEA), it is premature to evaluate the theory on the basis of the No Alternatives Argument (NAA). More significantly though, I argue that the theory of cosmological inflation fails to sustain a convincing Meta-Inductive Argument (MIA) because the empirical evidence and theoretical successes that it seeks to draw meta-empirical support from do not warrant a meta-inductive inference to inflation. I conclude by assessing how future developments could pave the way towards crafting a more compelling case for the non-empirical confirmation of cosmological inflation.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Wolf, William J.williamjwolf2@gmail.com0000-0002-8754-3360
Keywords: Cosmological Inflation, Non-Empirical Theory Confirmation, Early Universe, Meta Empirical Theory Assessment
Subjects: General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
General Issues > Evidence
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User: Mr. William Wolf
Date Deposited: 05 Jan 2024 03:12
Last Modified: 05 Jan 2024 03:12
Item ID: 22911
Subjects: General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
General Issues > Evidence
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Physics
Date: 31 August 2023
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/22911

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