Ruth Weintraub (from the Tel Aviv University) will deliver the APhil Annual Lecture on one of the most famous philosophical problems: the "Problem of Induction", well-known from, for example, Hume and Russell. What is our justification for making "inductive inferences", e.g. concluding from the fact that we have observed many Swans, which have all been white, that the next swan will also be white? Or even that all swans are white? Do we simply form a habit, as Hume thought, or do we have reasons for drawing such conclusions? Professor Weintraub will tackle this age-old problem and attempt to dissolve it. All welcome.
Professor Weintraub will speak on Tuesday, 30 September 2014, 17h, in Sala Gran, 4th floor, Facultad de Filosofía, c/Montalegre 6, 08001 Barcelona on:
The Problem of Induction Dissolved; But are we better off?
Abstract: I begin by making some distinctions between kinds of response to a sceptical claim, the purpose of which is to explain what I mean by a “dissolution” of the problem of induction and to focus on one of the ways it can be implemented. I then argue that previous attempts to dissolve the problem in this way fail, present mine and defend it. Finally, I show that (disappointingly) the dissolution of the problem doesn’t improve our normative situation and may even worsen it.
The lecture will be followed by a reception for all new and old APhil students, CCiL students and faculty.