Natural Laws and their domain of validity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the philosophical justification for extending observed phenomena to "laws of nature," particularly in the context of inductive reasoning and its implications for scientific practice. Participants explore the boundaries of generalization from empirical observations and the validity of scientific laws across different contexts, including terrestrial and celestial realms.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Philosophical exploration
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that extending observations to laws of nature requires careful consideration of the range of validity and caution against overgeneralization.
  • Others contend that empirical evidence from simple experiments, such as dropping objects of different masses, supports the conclusion that they fall at the same rate, thus challenging the notion of a "leap of faith."
  • There is a discussion about the nature of scientific theories, with some asserting that they should be based on falsifiability and empirical methods, while others emphasize the role of inductive reasoning.
  • Participants highlight that science does not aim to "prove" anything, and the concept of a "leap of faith" is debated in relation to inductive reasoning and its philosophical implications.
  • Some argue that inductive reasoning should not be limited in its application within science, while others suggest that it is essential to recognize its limitations and the conditions under which it operates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the relationship between inductive reasoning, empirical evidence, and the concept of a "leap of faith." Participants express differing opinions on the validity and application of scientific laws across different contexts.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference philosophical concepts such as Hume's problem of induction and the idea of paradigm shifts in science, indicating a complex interplay of ideas that may not be fully resolved within the thread.

  • #31


apeiron said:
Right, let's go then.

So, let me get this straight.

You claim the position I took on induction is
so patently nonsense that anyone who would claim such a thing clearly has no real understanding of what makes logic work
You demand, ad nauseum, that I supply a reference for my position.
I reference the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy supports what I have been saying all along.

Your reference was from a free online dictionary.
And you still won't admit you are wrong.

Goodbye troll.
 
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  • #32


JoeDawg said:
You demand, ad nauseum, that I supply a reference for my position.

Err, something wrong with having to back up your claims?

JoeDawg said:
I reference the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy supports what I have been saying all along.

And which also supports what I said even more clearly. Amusing how often it cited Peirce too.

But I still take issue with that article's passing reference to induction from generals which I demonstrated smuggles in a derivation from a global rule.

And you have failed to counter my argument on that score. Not that actually engaging in substantive ways has ever been your style.

JoeDawg said:
Your reference was from a free online dictionary.
And you still won't admit you are wrong.

The same basic definition of induction and deduction was in the Stanford entry. You were shouting "wrong", "incorrect", yet that just is the standard understanding.

Then if you want to move the discussion to more contemporary and nuanced views, well then you have to make an argument as there are a variety of approaches being taken.

To me, it is still quite clear that the idea of induction from generals is just not that at all. I have said why. I doubt you will ever counter it with some argument of your own. Debate is just not your forte it appears. Even your playground insults could do with sharpening.

JoeDawg said:
Goodbye troll.

See what I mean.
 

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