Inductive Inference & its Natural Ground – An Essay in Naturalistic Epistomology

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Hilary Kornblith presents an account of inductive inference that address both its metaphysical and epistemological aspects. He argues that inductive knowledge is possible by virtue of the fit between our innate psychological capacities and the causal structure of the world. Kornblith begins by developing an account of natural kinds that has its origins in John Locke’s work on real and nominal essences. In Kornblith’s view, a natural kind is a stable cluster of properties that are bound together in nature. The existence of such kinds serves as a natural ground of inductive inference. Kornblith then examines two features of human psychology that explain how knowledge of natural kinds is attained. First, our concepts are structured innately in a way that presupposes the existence of natural kinds. Second, our native inferential tendencies tend to provide us with accurate beliefs about the world when applied to environments that are populated by natural kinds.

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Book Information

ISBN 0262111756
ISBN13 9780262111751
Number of pages 123
Original Title Inductive Inference & its Natural Ground – An Essay in Naturalistic Epistomology
Published Date 1993
Book Condition Very good
Jacket Condition Very good
Binding Hardcover
Size 8vo
Place of Publication Cambridge
Edition First edition
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Author:
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Description

Hilary Kornblith presents an account of inductive inference that address both its metaphysical and epistemological aspects. He argues that inductive knowledge is possible by virtue of the fit between our innate psychological capacities and the causal structure of the world. Kornblith begins by developing an account of natural kinds that has its origins in John Locke’s work on real and nominal essences. In Kornblith’s view, a natural kind is a stable cluster of properties that are bound together in nature. The existence of such kinds serves as a natural ground of inductive inference. Kornblith then examines two features of human psychology that explain how knowledge of natural kinds is attained. First, our concepts are structured innately in a way that presupposes the existence of natural kinds. Second, our native inferential tendencies tend to provide us with accurate beliefs about the world when applied to environments that are populated by natural kinds.

Additional information

Weight 0.35 kg