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Nineteenth Annual Darwin College Lecture Series 2004

EVIDENCE

Lecture 5   :   February 13th 2004

Evidence and Explanation

Peter Lipton

Hans Rausing Professor - Department of the History and Philosophy of Science at Cambridge University

Biography |   Abstract  |   Printable Version

Abstract

How do we decide what the evidence shows? Some say that what the evidence shows is what would best explain why the evidence is as we find it to be. The dog didn't bark: what does that show? It shows that the person who entered the house that night must have been known to the dog, since that would explain why it did not bark. Inference to the Best Explanation seems to account for many of the ways we use evidence, in science and in everyday life, from Sherlock Holmes to Darwin. This lecture will develop this model of inference, consider objections, and meet some of them.

The lectures are given at 5.30 p.m. in The Lady Mitchell Hall, Sidgwick Avenue, with an adjacent overflow theatre with live TV coverage. Each lecture is typically attended by 600 people so you must arrive early to ensure a place.