Bertrand Russell

"The chicken noticed that the farmer came every day to feed it. It predicted that the farmer would continue to bring food every day. Inductivists think that the chicken had "extrapolated" its observations into a theory, and that each feeding time added justification to that theory. Then one day the farmer came and wrung the chicken's neck. This inductively justifies the conclusion that induction cannot justify any conclusion."

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Source: Bertrand Russell (2004). “Sceptical Essays”, p.19, Psychology Press

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Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell

Philosopher, Mathematician

Bertrand Russell was a British philosopher, logician, and social critic known for his work in analytical philosophy and advocacy for peace.

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