The Semantic Solution to the Problem of
Induction
When we say that an inductive inference is reliable, this means
that it is an induction performed according to our current
inductive practices. Hence those practices are, by definition
reliable.
Alternatively, we are rational when we use induction because
that is part of what 'rational' means.
Literature
One account is given in Edwards 1949. The
bibliography of Swinburne
1974 gives further references.
Problems
The solution doesn't seem to do anything. All it shows is that we
normally assume that induction is reliable, even in our normal use
of language. We want to know whether induction really is
reliable.
Copyright David Chart 1998