Single Idea 19003

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 5. Paradoxes of Induction / b. Raven paradox]

Full Idea

The standard response to the raven paradox is to say that a nonblack nonraven does confirm that all ravens are black. But it confirms it just the teeniest little bit - not as much as a black raven does.

Gist of Idea

Most people say nonblack nonravens do confirm 'all ravens are black', but only a tiny bit

Source

Stephen Yablo (Aboutness [2014], 06.5)

Book Reference

Yablo,Stephen: 'Aboutness' [Princeton 2014], p.105


A Reaction

It depends on the proportion between the relevant items. How do you confirm 'all the large animals in this zoo are mammals'? Check for size every animal which is obviously not a mammal?