Inferring and Explaining

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Johnson, Jeffery L., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Philosophy--Textbooks.

Philosophy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

[Place of publication not identified] Portland State University Library [2019]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

Inferring and Explaining is a book in practical epistemology. It examines the notion of evidence and assumes that good evidence is the essence of rational thinking. Evidence is the cornerstone of the natural, social, and behavioral sciences. But it is equally central to almost all academic pursuits and, perhaps most importantly, to the basic need to live an intelligent and reflective life. The book further assumes that a particular model of evidence— Inference to the Best Explanation—not only captures the essence of (good) evidence but suggests a very practical, and pedagogically useful, procedure for evidence evaluation. The book is intended primarily for two sorts of introductory courses. First and foremost are courses in critical thinking (or informal or practical logic). In addition, however, the book has application in more general courses (or major sections of courses) in introductory philosophy.

Contents:

Chapter 1: Valuing Truth

Chapter 2: Skepticism

Chapter 3: The Concept of Knowledge

Chapter 4: Arguments

Chapter 5: Inference to the Best Explanation

Chapter 6: New Data and Experimentation

Chapter 7: Semmelweis and Childbed Fever

Chapter 8: Darwin and Common Descent

Chapter 9: Testimony

Chapter 10: Textual Interpretation

Chapter 11: Statistics

Chapter 12: Correlations and Causes

Chapter 13: Capital Punishment and the Constitution

Chapter 14: Evidence, Explanation, and Narrative

Chapter 15: Explanatory Virtue and Truth

Notes:

Description based on print resource