What is David Harriman's Logical Leap Book Review?

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In summary, "The Logical Leap: Induction in Physics" by David Harriman, with an introduction by Leonard Peikoff, proposes a new method of scientific methodology that challenges the traditional view. Harriman argues that induction is the integration of new experience with previous knowledge, and provides examples from the works of Galileo, Newton, and Dalton to support his claim. Peikoff, a fellow proponent of Objectivism, endorses Harriman's approach in the introduction. While the book has some flaws, it offers a valuable and thought-provoking perspective on the philosophy of science.
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Book Review: The Logical Leap: Induction in Physics by David Harriman, with an introduction by Leonard Peikoff. New American Library, July 2010. Paperback, 279 pages + vi, illustrations. $16.00.

Despite some flaws in the presentation, David Harriman’s proposal for a new method of scientific methodology is interesting, valuable, and important. Harriman’s thesis is that induction is actually the integration of a new experience with the totality of all previous experience for the purpose of creating a new generalization. One example is enough for a generalization, if it is validly composed. According to Harriman, to be valid, an induction must be derived from a first-level generalization. To demonstrate the truth of his claim, Harriman provides examples from the works of Galileo, Newton, and Dalton, among others.

Harriman has his own new theory of science, dismissing the accepted scientific method. “Today, it is almost universally held that the process of theory creation is nonobjective. According to the most common view, which is institutionalized in the so-called “hypothetico-deductive method,” it is only the testing of theories (i.e., comparing predictions to observations) that gives science any claim to objectivity. Unfortunately, say the advocates of this method, such testing cannot result in proof – and it cannot result even in disproof, since any theory can be saved from an inconvenient observation merely by adding more arbitrary hypotheses. So the hypothetico-deductive method leads invariably to skepticism” (pp. 145-146). Thus, to Harriman, Newton’s experiments did not validate Descartes’ (more correct) theory of light.

David Harriman earned a master's degree in physics from University of Maryland, and a master's in philosophy from Claremont Graduate University. Leonard Peikoff completed a doctorate in philosophy at NYU.
 
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Like Harriman, Peikoff is a proponent of Objectivism, which offers an alternative to the traditional view of science. He provides an introduction to The Logical Leap, in which he endorses Harriman's new approach to induction. The Logical Leap is well-written and thought-provoking. While it does have some flaws, such as its tendency to overstate and oversimplify, overall it offers an important new approach for evaluating scientific theories. It is a valuable contribution to the literature on the philosophy of science, and a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the subject.
 

1. What is the main focus of David Harriman's Logical Leap?

The main focus of David Harriman's Logical Leap is the process of induction, which is the logical method used to form general principles or theories from specific observations or data.

2. What is the significance of this book?

This book is significant because it challenges traditional views on induction and provides a new perspective on how scientific theories are formed.

3. Who is the target audience for this book?

The target audience for this book is anyone interested in the philosophy of science and the process of scientific discovery.

4. What are some key concepts discussed in this book?

Some key concepts discussed in this book include the nature of induction, the role of observation and experimentation in scientific discovery, and the importance of logic and reason in the scientific process.

5. How has this book been received by the scientific community?

This book has received mixed reviews from the scientific community, with some praising its insights and others critiquing its arguments. However, it has sparked important discussions and debates about the process of scientific discovery.

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