Many attempts have been made to solve Hume's problem. However,
the assumptions leading to the problem have remained largely
unnoticed. Moreover, since Goodman introduced the predicate grue ,
philosophers without relevant mathematical education have been
confused. In addition, various delusive arguments from convergence
have been presented. In this book, it is maintained that knowledge
has to be feasible and relevant and that several solutions fail to
meet that demand. It is argued that the crucial presupposition of
the problem of induction is that clairvoyance is impossible and
that this presupposition is unproved. Generalized Goodman
predicates are introduced. To criticize arguments from convergence,
the notion of undecided game is introduced. A relationship between
Zeno's paradox and the problem of induction is revealed. A
distincion between do not know and cannot know is consistently
held. It is concluded that, as yet, we do not know the future and
that it is impossible to prove that it is impossible to know the
future. This book should be useful to professionals in epistemology
and philosophy of science, and might be of interest to logicians
and mathematicians.
Jüri Eintalu, PhD: Studied Theoretical Physics and Philosophy of Science at Tartu University. Gave Various Lectures at Several Universities in Estonia. Lecturer at Estonian Business School.
