Theoria: An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science

Volume 14, Issue 2, Mayo 1999

John R. Welch
Pages 207-247

Singular Analogy and Quantitative Inductive Logics

The paper explores the handling of singular analogy in quantitative inductive logics. It concentrates on two analogical patterns coextensive with the traditional argument from analogy: perfect and imperfect analogy. Each is examined within Carnap’s λ-continuum, Carnap’s and Stegmüller’s λ-η continuum, Carnap’s Basic System, Hintikka’s α-λ continuum, and Hintikka’s and Niiniluoto’s K-dimensional system. It is argued that these logics handle perfect analogies with ease, and that imperfect analogies, while unmanageable in some logics, are quite manageable in others. The paper concludes with a modification of the K-dimensional system that synthesizes independent proposals by Kuipers and Niiniluoto.