Inductivism

The inductivism is a scientific theory, in which is inferred from individual observations on universal laws (induction of Latin inductio, inducere = usher ).

The inductivism is based on the assumption that it can be concluded from past events safely to future events.

The observation is the inductivism at the beginning of the cognitive process. This approach, however, is already the first criticism, because for an observation or an experiment you need already have an idea what can be observed. However, this is already a deductive process, which is contrary to the inductivism.

In mathematics, there is the proof by induction, with the inductivism should not be confused. Mathematical induction is a deductive conclusion.

In the history of philosophy has, inter alia, David Hume showed that you can achieve by induction no definitive knowledge ( see also problem of induction ). This finding may lead to skepticism among others. Even if one can not observe causality, so it is about to declare out of the habit. Immanuel Kant criticized Hume and developed the doctrine of the two tribes of the knowledge, the experience and the mind. A sharp critic of inductivism was Karl Popper. This developed the instrument of falsification. A proponent of inductivism was David Stove; he tried to refute Popper.

See also: Proof ( logic), reliability, verification, pseudo-science, problem of induction, falsifiability

• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Science