Induktivitätstheorie

Induktivitätstheorie, often translated as the theory of inductivity, is a concept primarily discussed within philosophy of science, particularly in relation to the work of Carl Gustav Hempel. It refers to the idea that scientific theories are not directly verifiable or falsifiable in a strict sense, but rather can be supported or refuted to varying degrees by empirical evidence. This degree of support is often referred to as the "inductive support" or "inductive evidence" for a theory.

The theory posits that observations can increase or decrease the probability that a given theory is true. This contrasts with a purely deductive approach where evidence either definitively confirms or denies a hypothesis. Induktivitätstheorie acknowledges that scientific knowledge is provisional and subject to revision as more evidence becomes available. It addresses the problem of induction, which questions how we can justify drawing general conclusions from specific observations.

In essence, Induktivitätstheorie provides a framework for understanding how scientific theories gain credence in the face of incomplete information. It emphasizes the probabilistic nature of scientific knowledge and the continuous process of evidence gathering and theory refinement. The strength of inductive support for a theory is determined by factors such as the quantity and diversity of confirming instances, the absence of counterexamples, and the logical coherence of the theory itself.