Inferring and Explaining
by Jeffery Johnson
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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. 
Book Description
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.
This open book is licensed under a Creative Commons License (CC BY). You can download Inferring and Explaining ebook for free in PDF format (4.4 MB).
Table of 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: A Case Study
Chapter 8
Darwin and Common Descent
Chapter 9
Testimony
Chapter 10
Textual Interpretation
Chapter 11
Statistics: Making Sense of the Numbers
Chapter 12
Correlations and Causes
Chapter 13
Capital Punishment and the Constitution
Chapter 14
Evidence, Explanation, and Narrative
Chapter 15
Explanatory Virtue and Truth
Book Details
Title
Inferring and Explaining
Publisher
Portland State University Library
Published
2019
Pages
164
Edition
1
Language
English
PDF Size
4.4 MB
License
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