Inductive inference and its natural ground : an essay in naturalistic epistemology /

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Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:	Kornblith, Hilary.
Imprint:	Cambridge, Mass. : MIT Press, ©1993.
Description:	1 online resource (x, 123 pages)
Language:	English
Subject:	Quine, W. V. -- (Willard Van Orman), -- 1908-2000. Naturalism. Knowledge, Theory of. Induction (Logic) Inference. PHILOSOPHY -- Epistemology. Induction (Logic) Inference. Knowledge, Theory of. Naturalism. Kennistheorie. Naturalisme (filosofie) Philosophy. Philosophy & Religion. Electronic books.
Format:	E-Resource Book
URL for this record:	http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/11109699

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ISBN:	0585311234 9780585311234 0262277468 9780262277464
Notes:	"A Bradford book." Includes bibliographical references (pages 115-119) and index. English. Print version record.
Summary:	Hilary Kornblith presents an account of inductive inference that addresses both its metaphysical and epistemological aspects. He argues that inductive knowledge is possible by virtue of the fit between our innate psychological capacities and the causal structure of the world.Kornblith begins by developing an account of natural kinds that has its origins in John Locke's work on real and nominal essences. In Kornblith's view, a natural kind is a stable cluster of properties that are bound together in nature. The existence of such kinds serves as a natural ground of inductive inference.Kornblith then examines two features of human psychology that explain how knowledge of natural kinds is attained. First, our concepts are structured innately in a way that presupposes the existence of natural kinds. Second, our native inferential tendencies tend to provide us with accurate beliefs about the world when applied to environments that are populated by natural kinds.
Other form:	Print version: Kornblith, Hilary. Inductive inference and its natural ground. Cambridge, Mass. : MIT Press, ©1993 0262111756

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