Reference no: EM131147791
Inference to the Best Explanation
One of the most common inferences in life is the inference to the best explanation (sometimes called abductive reasoning). We use this type of reasoning to infer what would best explain the things that we see. Chapter 6 in our book demonstrates ways in which this type of reasoning helps us to explain the world around us.
Prepare: To prepare for this lesson take a close look at the sections from Chapter 6 on "Inference to the Best Explanation," "Form," "Virtue of Simplicity," and "How to Assess an Explanation." Choose a topic that is difficult or controversial to explain. Some good topics include hoaxes, unusual sightings (e.g. UFOs, bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster), the supernatural or paranormal, events that are the subject of conspiracy theories, unsolved crimes or other court cases, etc.
Reflect: Do a little research to find a specific topic and learn about explanations on both sides. Consider what you think might best explain the observed facts of the case.
Write: Explain the topic you chose and why it is interesting or controversial. Present good arguments on more than one side of the issue (e.g. competing explanations of the facts). Analyze both arguments that you have presented. Then present your own argument for your theory that you feel will best explain this phenomenon. Are there any holes in your theory? Is there any information that would be likely to strengthen or weaken your case?
Example Below
Argument 1:
Premise 1: Marijuana and prescription drugs can be an addictive substance.
Premise 2: Marijuana is illegal in most states.
Premise 3: Marijuana is not as addictive as some prescription drugs.
Premise 4: Having prescription drugs products is not illegal.
Conclusion: In states where the possession of marijuana is illegal the government should not enforce any penalties for having it.
The validity of this argument is true only if the premises of marijuana and prescription drugs are proven facts. If you can show that marijuana has a higher addiction rate than prescription drugs, it should be illegal in all states.
Argument 2:
Premise 1: Blue is a primary color
Premise 2: Yellow is a primary color
Premise 3: Red is a primary color
Conclusion: Since Blue, Yellow and Red are primary colors, all other colors come from them.
This conclusion of this argument is valid only if you are able to strip all colors down to their base color to verify at least two of the primary colors were used to create the different shades of the other colors.
|
Liability under quasi contract be imposed on crosstown
: Grant Borman, who is managing a construction project, leased a crane from Allied Equipment, Inc., and hired Crosstown Trucking Co. to deliver the crane to the construction site. Crosstown, while the crane was in its possession and without permission ..
|
|
How integral is collaboration among business functions
: Consider how coordinating efforts of the two functions to successfully serve La Guardia might affect management and decision making. How integral is collaboration among business functions to the success of Southwest's plan
|
|
What is total return on given investment
: the exchange rate moves from 6.09 Yuan per dollar to 6.12 per dollar over the period, what is your total return on this investment?
|
|
Why commercial law and project procurement
: Make an argument why Commercial Law and Project Procurement is a valuable experienceto learn or study for someone in the Project Management field.
|
|
Are there any holes in your theory
: Explain the topic you chose and why it is interesting or controversial. Present good arguments on more than one side of the issue (e.g. competing explanations of the facts). Analyze both arguments that you have presented. Then present your own arg..
|
|
What is the average arithmetic return
: The returns are 7.25 percent, 5.63 percent, 12.56 percent, and 1.08 percent.- What is the average arithmetic return and variance of this sampling?
|
|
What legal causes of action might he bring against company
: If you elect to stop doing business with Marshall, what legal causes of action might he bring against your company, what damages or remedies might he seek, and what legal defenses might your company have
|
|
Overview of project change control
: Advantages from a business and project management perspective – why should this supplier to Ford Motor Company implement Project Change Control on all of their projects? Concerns/Issues from a business and project management perspective – what proble..
|
|
What is the fair price for the preferred shares
: Wernam Hogg Class A preferred shares have a par value of $100 and offer an annual dividend at 0.8% of par value.- If investors require a return of 2.25%, then what is the fair price for the preferred shares today?
|