Inference to the Best Explanation (Scott Brewer)

Themes covered in this session:

1. The invariant structure of inference to the best explanation
2. Different species of inference to the best explanation (including inference to the best factual, interpretive, legal, logical explanation)
3. Relation of inference to the best explanation to deductive, inductive and analogical modes of inference
4. Induction and defeasibility

Handouts and slides

• Brewer, S. Abducing Abduction (link)

Readings

• Brown, The Economy of Peirce’s Abduction (link)

Cases

• Drennan v Star Paving (link)
• James Baird v. Gimbel Bros. (link)

Optional readings

• Searight v. New Jersey (link)
• Shelley v. Kramer (link)
• Sinnott-Armstrong and Fogelin, Understanding Arguments, 8th ed., pages 257-76 (link)