Outline and explain Hume’s formulation of the problem of induction.

Hume: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding

Topics:

1) In An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Hume states and argues for a principle we have called, ‘The Copy Principle’. In your paper, you should, first, state and explain the copy principle, and Hume’s two arguments for this principle. Next, consider and assess at least one reason to reject Hume’s copy principle. For example, you could consider a reason to reject one or both of Hume’s arguments for the principle. Or, you could consider a possible counterexample to the principle (like the missing shade of blue). In assessing the reason/s you discuss, you may either accept or reject it/them.

2) Outline and explain Hume’s formulation of the problem of induction. In outlining Hume’s argument, you should focus on the parts of Enquiry §IV where Hume addresses the question of whether and how inductive judgments are justified. In the end, does Hume himself conclude that inductive judgments are not justified? If you think he does not make this conclusion, be sure to explain why. If you think he does draw this conclusion, do you think there are any possible ways one could justify our inductive judgments despite Hume’s arguments?

3) Outline and explain Hume’s ‘skeptical solution’ to the problem of induction (your explanation here will need to appeal to Hume’s story about custom and habit). In doing this, be sure to explain the sense in which his solution is a skeptical one (you will need to appeal to the distinction between a normative and a descriptive explanation to explain this.) Finally, explain whether, and why, you find Hume’s solution to be satisfactory or unsatisfactory (you should feel free to appeal
to Goodman’s description of Hume’s solution for this part of your paper, but this is not compulsory).