The Problem of Induction Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Problem of Induction, and who identified it?
A
Philosopher David Hume noted that inductive reasoning cannot guarantee certainty — just because something has always happened doesn’t mean it always will.
2
Q
What famous example illustrates the Problem of Induction?
A
The belief that all swans are white was held for centuries until black swans were discovered, proving the generalization false.
3
Q
How did William Jevons address the Problem of Induction?
A
Jevons argued that while induction cannot guarantee certainty, it can provide probability estimates that make conclusions more reliable.
4
Q
A
