How do we go about weighing evidence, testing hypotheses, and making inferences? The model of "inference to the best explanation" (IBE) -- that we infer the hypothesis that would, if correct, provide the best explanation of the available evidence--offers a compelling account of inferences both in science and in ordinary life.
Widely cited by epistemologists and philosophers of science, IBE has nonetheless remained little more than a slogan. Now this influential work has been thoroughly revised and updated, and features a new introduction and two new chapters. "Inference to the Best Explanation" is an unrivaled exposition of a theory of particular interest in the fields both of epistemology and the philosophy of science.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Introduction 1. Induction 2. Explanation 3. The Causal Model 4. Inference to the Best Explanation 5. Contrastive Inference 6. The Raven Paradox 7. Bayesian Abduction 8. Explanation as a Guide to Inference 9. Loveliness and Truth 10. Prediction and Prejudice 11. Truth and Explanation Conclusion Bibliography Index
