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Inference to the Best Explanation and Disjunctive Explanations
Inference to the Best Explanation and Disjunctive Explanations

Author(s): Jaeho Lee
Subject(s): Logic, Analytic Philosophy
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: David Armstrong; Helen Beebee; Disjunctive explanation; Inference to the best explanation;

Summary/Abstract: In this paper I will examine Helen Beebee’s argument that anti-Humeans are not in a better position to justify induction. I will first argue that her argument proves too much and that it can jeopardize the status of inference to the best explanation as a useful inductive principle. I will then propose a principle that should govern our use of disjunctive explanations in the context of inference to the best explanation and show that Beebee’s use of disjunctive explanations violates this principle.

  • Issue Year: 22/2015
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 143-162
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English