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Induction and Intellection

In: Uncertainty

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  • William Briggs

Abstract

There is no knowledge more certain than that provided by induction. Without induction, no argument could, as they say, get off the ground floor. All arguments must trace eventually back to some foundation. This foundational knowledge is first present in the senses; through intellection, i.e. induction, first principles, universals, and essences are discovered. Induction is what accounts for our being certain, after observing only a finite number of instances or even one and sometimes even none, that all flames are hot, that all men are mortal, that for all natural numbers x and y, if x = y, then y = x, and for providing content and characteristics of all other universals and axioms. Induction is analogical; it is of five different kinds, some more and some less reliable. That this multiplicity is generally unknown accounts for a great deal of the controversy over induction. Arguments are not valid because of their form but because of their content.

Suggested Citation

  • William Briggs, 2016. "Induction and Intellection," Springer Books, in: Uncertainty, chapter 0, pages 27-37, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-319-39756-6_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-39756-6_3
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