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Reconsidering the miracle argument on the supposition of transient underdetermination

Paul Hoyningen-Huene

pp. 173-187

Abstract

In this paper, I will show that the Miracle Argument is unsound if one assumes a certain form of transient underdetermination. For this aim, I will first discuss and formalize several variants of underdetermination, especially that of transient underdetermination, by means of measure theory. I will then formalize a popular and persuasive form of the Miracle Argument that is based on “use novelty”. I will then proceed to the proof that the miracle argument is unsound by means of a mathematical example. Finally, I will expose two hidden presuppositions of the Miracle Argument that make it so immensely though deceptively persuasive.

Publication details

Published in:

Schurz Gerhard, Votsis Ioannis (2011) Scientific realism quo vadis?. Synthese 180 (2).

Pages: 173-187

DOI: 10.1007/s11229-009-9600-2

Full citation:

Hoyningen-Huene Paul (2011) „Reconsidering the miracle argument on the supposition of transient underdetermination“. Synthese 180 (2), 173–187.