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Positive Evidence in Science and Technology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2022

Joseph Agassi
Joseph Agassi*
Affiliation:
Boston University
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Abstract

If the problem of induction were soluble, it should be solved inductively: by observing how scientists observe, etc. The fact is that scientific research is successful, and the real question is, will it be so in future? If there is a formula of induction by which success is achieved, then by this formula we can say, as long as it will be used science will succeed. If there is no formula it looks as if future success in scientific research is most doubtful. Hence, a transcendental argument for induction goes, there is an inductive formula. Since, however, such a view of induction is rejected even by inductivists as naive, the argument collapses. Hence the question is, on what basis do we project the future success of science? My answer is that this future success is built into our social institutions and is partially institutionally safeguarded.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 37 , Issue 2 , June 1970 , pp. 261 - 270
Copyright
Copyright © 1970 The Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†

Paper read to the first biennial conference in the Philosophy of Science, Pittsburgh, October 12, 1968. I am grateful to Laurie Dornbrand, I. C. Jarvie, and Tom Settle, who read earlier versions and made valuable comments.