Tim_Tyler comments on Science Isn't Strict Enough - Less Wrong

13 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 16 May 2008 06:51AM

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Comment author: Tim_Tyler 20 May 2008 08:25:27PM 0 points [-]

Hume's problem of induction is ancient. It is a basic issue in the philosophy of science:

"The problem puts in doubt all empirical claims made in everyday life or through the scientific method."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_induction

Successfully predicting multiple sunrises doesn't begin to address the problem.

Bayesian reasoning doesn't solve the problem. It simply assumes a solution to the problem, and proceeds from there. A perfectly rational agent who denies the validity of induction would be totally unimpressed by Bayesian arguments.