Inductive vs Non-Deductive Reasoning and its Implications

A comprehensive set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on inductive and non-deductive reasoning, focusing on the main ideas, definitions, and implications in the philosophy of science.

Inductive Reasoning

Moves from specific observations to broader generalizations; conclusions are likely true but not guaranteed.

Deductive Reasoning

Moves from general principles to specific conclusions; if premises are true, the conclusion is necessarily true.

Confirmation

When an observation fits a hypothesis and does not contradict it, it provides some degree of confirmation.

Disconfirmation

When an observation contradicts a hypothesis, resulting in the hypothesis being refuted.

Circularity

An argument that assumes what it’s trying to prove; in Hume’s context, inductive reasoning justified circularly.

Uniformity of Nature

The idea that the laws and patterns we observe in nature now are consistent and will be the same in the future.

Hume's Problem of Induction

The issue that no amount of confirmation can deductively prove a theory.

Projection

A non-deductive reasoning type that extends knowledge from one case to similar future cases.

Explanatory Inference

Reasoning from evidence to find the most likely explanation.

Ravens Paradox

The idea that evidence confirming a rule can come from cases that seem unrelated or absurd.

Confirmation Theory

If a theory predicts an observation that fits, then the theory is confirmed.

Goodman's New Riddle of Induction

Challenges which past patterns should be trusted for predicting the future.

Grue

A term introduced by Goodman to illustrate the challenge of defining reliable inductive rules.

Empiricism

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience.

Falsifiability Criterion

A theory is scientific only if it can potentially be proven false by evidence.

Conjectures and Refutations

Popper's method of scientific inquiry involving forming hypotheses and attempting to refute them.

Corroboration

A record of successful tests in the past regarding a scientific theory.

Confirmational Holism

The idea that scientific theories are tested as a whole, not in isolation.

Underdetermination

The notion that evidence can support multiple theories; no evidence can guarantee one theory's truth.

Analytic Statements

Propositions that are true by definition with no need for empirical verification.

Synthetic Statements

Propositions that require empirical evidence for their truth.

Quine's Web of Belief

The concept that our beliefs form a network where changes can affect various connected beliefs.

Inductive Logic

Logic based on drawing probable conclusions from specific instances.

Deductive Validity

If the premises are true, then the conclusion must also be true.

Types of Non-Deductive Reasoning

Includes induction, projection, and explanatory inference.

Counterintuitive Argument

An argument whose conclusion goes against common sense or expected beliefs.

Scientific Theories

Theories that are usually confirmed inductively but are unjustified, according to Hume.

Inductive Conclusion

A conclusion that is likely, but not guaranteed, to be true based on observations.

Theory Confirmation

The process of supporting a theory through relevant observations.

Falsified Theory

A scientific theory shown to be incorrect through observation or experiment.

Basic Beliefs

The most fundamental and deeply held beliefs at the center of Quine's web of belief.

Auxiliary Assumptions

Background beliefs that support a main hypothesis in scientific testing.

Failed Prediction

When a scientific prediction does not match observable outcomes, raising questions about the theory.

Rigorous Testing

The process of variety in experiments to validate a scientific theory.

Prediction Failure

The inability of a theory to accurately forecast experimental outcomes.

Induction and Habit

Hume's assertion that we rely on patterns due to our habitual experiences.

Logical Consistency

The desired characteristic of arguments to avoid contradictions within their premises.

Inference

The process of drawing a conclusion from premises known or assumed to be true.

Philosophical Skepticism

A philosophical attitude questioning the possibility of certain knowledge.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach involving observation, hypothesis formulation, and testing.

Empirical Verification

The process of validating theories through observational evidence.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs.

Experimental Results

The data obtained from conducting a scientific experiment.

Fallibilism

The principle that our knowledge is always subject to revision.

Logical Positivism

The belief that only statements verifiable through direct observation or logical proof are meaningful.

Hypothetical Deduction

A method of arguing from a hypothesis to its logical consequences.

Post Hoc Fallacy

The error of assuming that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second.

Theory Evolution

The process by which scientific theories are refined or replaced over time.

Cognitive Bias

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Abductive Reasoning

A form of reasoning which starts with an observation and seeks to find the simplest and most likely explanation.