Do Statistical Laws Solve the 'Problem of Provisos'?

Reutlinger, Alexander (2014): Do Statistical Laws Solve the 'Problem of Provisos'? In: Erkenntnis

Abstract

Earman and Roberts propose to interpret non-strict special science generalizations as statistical generalizations about correlations. Earman and Roberts claim that these statistical generalizations are not qualified by ceteris paribus (henceforth, cp) conditions. I present two challenges to the statistical account. According to the first challenge, the statistical account does not get rid of so-called "non-lazy" cp-conditions. This result undermines one of the alleged advantages of the statistical account. The second challenge is that the statistical account, qua general theory of special science laws, is weakened by the fact that idealized law statements resist a purely statistical interpretation.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Preprint
• Keywords: ceteris paribus laws; laws of nature; statistical laws; probabilities
• Faculties: Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP); Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) > Philosophy of Science
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 100 Philosophy
• ISSN: 0165-0106
• Language: English