Topic > Essay by David Hume - 1581

The problem of induction was a great challenge epistemology posed to various philosophers, including David Hume. Since the 18th century he has raised the question of induction to various philosophers with the aim of finding a solution to the dilemma. Karl Popper, Chalmers and other philosophers played a vital role in identifying a considerable solution to the problem of induction. In philosophy, induction is defined as a form of reasoning that arises from a particular observation of a phenomenon and draws conclusions from the phenomenon. For example, it is certain that the sun will rise tomorrow morning simply because it has been observed that it rises every morning. This is an example of inductive reasoning between individuals. In contrast, philosophers establish that inductive reasoning has its challenges based on the aspect of justification (Sellars, 2000, p. 64). This essay will aim to evaluate the problems of induction and establish some possible solutions to the dilemma. The topic of induction can be traced back to the 18th century, after philosophers debated contemporary individual views. David Hume emerged with the problem of induction and posed a great challenge to how people approached the world through inductive reasoning. According to his writings, induction created an epistemological obstacle by proving unreasonable as a way of acquiring knowledge. Chalmers' contribution to inductive reasoning facilitated the search for a solution to the problem. The induction had created a skeptical threat to a widely accepted belief in society. According to Chalmers, it is an unjustifiable approach that individuals use to make assumptions from what has been, previously… middle of the paper… not justifiable enough to be reliable. Although inductive reasoning has been successful in determining events and cases that occurred in the past, philosophers still debate its appropriateness in modern society (Earman, 2006, p.36). The problem of induction has been analyzed through various philosophical studies with the aim of finding a justifiable answer to the dilemma. The uncertainty of inductive reason forms the basis of myriad questions that engulf the justification of the approach. According to some philosophers it is possible that some unknown phenomenon occurs, which can be justified with a known phenomenon. As already mentioned, falsification and irrationalism are some of the solutions to the problem of induction. It is therefore imperative that individuals falsify beliefs through hypotheses and empirical testing.