Philosophy of Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Philosophy of Science - Essay ExampleThis paper discusses the problem of induction and how it impacts latest knowledge and approach to scholarship. This discussion revolves primarily around works of David Hume and Karl Popper due to the former theorising on induction more than any other philosopher and the latter show inapplicability of induction for science and scientific method.Alan Musgrave (2004) in his critique of induction problem introduces Humes argument as the basis for understanding the dilemma. Musgrave distinguishes Humes three points, namely (1) we reason, and must reason, inducively (2) inductive reasoning is logically invalid and (3) to reason in a logically invalid way is irrational. Thus, the problem of induction is a problem confronted by scientists and philosophers concerned with science, but more specifically it is a problem for scientific method. Furthermore, it is a problem for the practice of science, for scientific endeavor, and it is a problem for the pro cedures of science. From the critical perspective, as science is or ought to be, it faces and must solve the problem of induction.David Hume created a philosophical system to explain his understanding of human temperament. He provided a solid non-metaphysical explanation of the nature of human thought to use as a foundation to his philosophy. As an empiricist, Hume believed our knowledge is of the phenomenal world and is gained through experience. The following passage addresses not completely his opinion regarding metaphysics, but his basic belief regarding the significance of ideas and impressionsAll ideas, especially abstract ones, ar naturally faint and obscure the mind has but a slender hold of them they are apt to be confounded with other resembling ideas and when we have often employed any term, though without a distinct meaning, we are apt to imagine it as a determinate idea annexed to it. On the contrary, all impressions, that is, all sensations, either outward or inward , are strong and smart as a whip the limits between them are more exactly determined nor is it easy to fall into any error or mistake with regard to them (Hume, 1985, p.49).Hume built a bizarre system of knowledge. Creating complex ideas by comparing or combining simple ideas is the province of understanding, which includes conception as well as the intellect. Everything we believe comes from experience, either as a simple idea derived from direct experience or as a complex of related ideas abstracted from experience. Human understanding comes from applying the intellect and imagination to ideas in order to form beliefs about the phenomenal world. Hume claimed there are only three types of connection between ideas resemblance, contiguity in time and space, and let and effect (Hume, 1999, p.101). Therefore, beliefs are gained by applying the intellect and imagination to ideas to abstract what they have in common, including location