handout 1.2- Inference to the Best Explanation in Philosophy and Moral Arguments

What is the first element of an Inference to the Best Explanation argument?

A fact that very much seems to be true, referred to as 'F'.

What is the second element of an Inference to the Best Explanation argument?

A set of candidate explanations for the fact 'F', labeled as 'E1', 'E2', etc.

What does it mean if E3 offers the best explanation of F?

It provides a good epistemic reason for believing that E3 is true.

In the example of Smith, what is 'F'?

Smith was in his cell at 7pm last night but is not in his cell at 5am this morning.

What are some possible explanations for F in the Smith example?

1) Aliens took Smith out. 2) Smith tunneled out using a plastic spoon. 3) The night guard let Smith out.

What is the best explanation of F in the Smith example?

The night guard let Smith out.

Why might someone believe the night guard let Smith out?

Because it is the best explanation for how Smith could have escaped.

Can you have a good reason for believing something without being justified in believing it?

Yes, it is possible to have a good reason but not be justified in belief.

What does IBE provide for its conclusion?

Substantial support, rather than absolute proof.

What increases the support provided by an IBE argument?

The more reason we have to believe that F is a fact.

What can vary widely in IBE arguments?

The quality of the best explanation can vary significantly.

What makes one explanation better than another in IBE?

This is a difficult and contentious issue, but an explanation can be the best even without independent evidence.

How can IBE be viewed in terms of argumentation?

As an ongoing argument where different explanations are debated over time.

What is an example of IBE involving Tim and Harry?

Seeing Tim and Harry jogging together suggests they made up after a fight.

What conclusion can be drawn from finding a plate and cup on the kitchen table?

It likely indicates that a housemate made a midnight snack.

What does seeing a picture of Winston Churchill in the sand illustrate?

It shows how simpler explanations are often preferred in IBE.

What is a key characteristic of the conclusions drawn from IBE examples?

They do not logically follow from the premises.

What is abduction in the context of reasoning?

Abduction, or Inference to the Best Explanation, is a type of reasoning that suggests a conclusion based on what best explains the available evidence.

What example is used to illustrate Singer's pond argument?

The example involves a child at risk of drowning in a pond, where one can easily save the child without significant sacrifice.

What are the premises of Singer's pond argument?

1. Suffering and death from lack of resources are bad. 2. If you can prevent something bad without significant sacrifice, you are morally obligated to do so. 3. Donating to aid agencies can prevent such suffering.

What conclusion does Singer draw from his premises?

You are obligated to donate to aid agencies.

Why is the second premise of Singer's argument significant?

It is not obviously correct and requires support through inference to the best explanation.

What does Singer's principle claim?

If you can prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing anything nearly as important, then you are morally obligated to do so.

What is the intuitive result of Singer's principle in the pond case?

It seems that you are morally obligated to save the child in the pond.

How does Singer use inference to the best explanation in his argument?

He argues that his principle provides the best explanation for why one is morally obligated to save the child in the pond.

What does the term 'IDNYRE' refer to in the context of Singer's argument?

IDNYRE is a made-up term referring to a method of providing support for a principle without proving its absolute truth.

What two conditions provide support for Singer's principle?

1. It gets the intuitively correct result in a certain case. 2. It provides at least a decent explanation of that result.

What is a potential criticism of Singer's argument?

Some may present alternative explanations that they argue are better than Singer's principle.

What does the author suggest about proving moral principles?

Proof may not always be possible, but producing the best argument for and against a conclusion is valuable.

What is the significance of the drowning child example in moral philosophy?

It illustrates the moral obligation to act when one can prevent harm without significant sacrifice.

What does the author mean by 'the best explanation'?

The best explanation is the one that most convincingly accounts for the observed facts or intuitions.

What is the role of statistical data in the argument about Tim and Harry's friendship?

Statistical data about friendships and conflicts is lacking, making it difficult to infer the state of their relationship.

What is the relationship between moral obligation and sacrifice in Singer's argument?

Moral obligation arises when one can prevent harm without sacrificing something of nearly equal importance.

What does the author imply about the complexity of moral reasoning?

Moral reasoning often involves navigating complex principles and competing explanations.

What is the significance of the term 'intuitively correct result'?

It refers to a moral conclusion that aligns with common moral intuitions or beliefs.

How does the author suggest one should approach moral arguments in writing?

Focus on providing decent explanations and intuitive results rather than exhaustive proofs.

What does the author mean by 'making a start' on moral arguments?

It refers to beginning the process of developing a more thorough argument for a moral principle.

What is the implication of not having a better explanation than Singer's principle?

It suggests that Singer's principle may hold some support as a moral guideline.

What philosophical approach does the author advocate for in assessing moral principles?

An educated judgment based on the best available arguments rather than random guessing.