Natural Laws and their domain of validity

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the philosophical implications of natural laws and the validity of inductive reasoning in science. Participants argue that while inductive reasoning is essential for forming scientific laws, it does not equate to a leap of faith, as it is grounded in empirical evidence. The conversation highlights the necessity of a middle ground in applying scientific methods to extend observations beyond their immediate range of validity. Ultimately, the consensus is that science should focus on phenomena that can be empirically tested and validated, rather than making unprovable claims.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inductive reasoning and its role in scientific methodology
  • Familiarity with the philosophy of science, including concepts like paradigm shifts
  • Knowledge of empirical evidence and its significance in scientific claims
  • Awareness of historical perspectives on natural laws, such as those proposed by Galileo
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Hume's problem of induction in contemporary science
  • Explore the concept of falsifiability as proposed by Karl Popper
  • Study the historical development of scientific laws and their philosophical justifications
  • Investigate the relationship between empirical evidence and scientific modeling
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers of science, educators, students in scientific disciplines, and anyone interested in the foundations of scientific reasoning and the validity of natural laws.

  • #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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