PREDNOSTI I PROBLEMI MATERIJALNOG REŠENJA ZA PROBLEM INDUKCIJE
THE MATERIAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF INDUCTION: COSTS AND BENEFITS

Summary/Abstract: In this article, we analyze the solution to the famous problem of induction proposed by Norton within his material theory of induction. The material theory of induction, briefly, states that justification of inductive inference consists of the truth of the material premises used in the inference, rather than formal rules of induction. The material premises have local characters, rather than universal. In other words, they do not state any universal regularity, but only local regularities that enable induction in limited domains. Among the benefits of the theory, Norton argues that it provides us with a solution to Hume’s problem of induction. Namely, while the problem is devastating for formal theories because we need to justify universal rules of induction itself circularly, in the material theory, we simply justify material facts with other material facts thus avoiding circularity. Additionally, Norton claims that we avoid potential regress of justification by adopting a non-hierarchical view of inductive knowledge. I analyze the proposed solution, arguing that it has enormous benefits over formal theories, but that it comes at several specific costs in the form of commitments to additional views: on a structure of inductive knowledge, to the forms of circular justifications, and the type of externalism of justification. The analysis of these costs is not meant as a decisive criticism of Norton’s solution, but as an indication that even the best solution to this problem cannot rely solely on the theory of inductive inference.

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