Abductive Reasoning in Science

This Element gives an opinionated overview of both accounts of abductive reasoning that have been proposed and the problems that have motivated them. It evaluates these accounts towards a systematic view of the nature and purpose of abductive reasoning in science. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

List of contents

Introduction; 1. A brief history of abductive reasoning; 2. Contemporary accounts of abductive reasoning; 3. Why prefer explanatory hypotheses?; 4. Is abductive reasoning irrational?; Conclusion; References.

Summary

This Element gives an opinionated overview of both accounts of abductive reasoning that have been proposed and the problems that have motivated them. It evaluates these accounts towards a systematic view of the nature and purpose of abductive reasoning in science. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Foreword

This Element shows abductive reasoning is ubiquitous, especially in science. But what is it exactly and why does it work?

Product details

• Authors: Finnur (University of Iceland Dellsen, Finnur Dellsén
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.09.2024
• EAN: 9781009353182
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0935318-2
• No. of pages: 82
• Series: Elements in the Philosophy of Science
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; PHILOSOPHY / Epistemology, PHILOSOPHY / Metaphysics, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology, Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology, Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge, Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge