Deck 10: Inference to the Best Explanation

Question 1

Inference to the best explanation is a form of _______ reasoning in which we reason from premises about a state of affairs to an explanation for that state of affairs.

A) deductive
B) inductive
C) hypothetical
D) analogical

Answer 1

inductive

Question 2

If the explanation in an inference to the best explanation argument really is the best, then the argument is

A) cogent.
B) sound.
C) valid.
D) strong.

Answer 2

strong.

Question 3

Explanations that try to explain the purpose of something or how something functions are known as _______ explanations.

A) theoretical
B) teleological
C) procedural
D) interpretive

Answer 3

teleological

Question 4

A theory that is consistent with the data it is intended to explain is said to be

A) fruitful.
B) internally consistent.
C) externally consistent.
D) testable.

Question 5

Einstein's theory of relativity successfully predicted an entirely novel phenomenon, thereby demonstrating its

A) scope.
B) simplicity.
C) testability.
D) fruitfulness.

Question 6

A theory that meets the minimum requirement of consistency is

A) true.
B) true until proved false.
C) eligible for further consideration.
D) beyond dispute.

Question 7

An untestable theory cannot

A) explain anything.
B) be articulated.
C) be replaced with a better theory.
D) be preferred.

Question 8

Scientists eventually accepted Copernicus's heliocentric theory of planetary motion over Ptolemy's Earth-centered theory because the former was more

A) simple.
B) fruitful.
C) conservative.
D) consistent.

Question 9

Anthropologists argue that some cultures believe in unlikely phenomena and exotic deities in large part because of a lack of

A) critical thinking skills.
B) alternative explanations.
C) inductive rationality.
D) testable theories.

Question 10

The theory of evolution is

A) testable.
B) untestable.
C) not highly confirmed.
D) without scope.

Question 11

If the premises of an inference to the best explanation argument are true, then the argument is

A) strong.
B) sound.
C) valid.
D) cogent.

Question 12

Constructive perception is a plausible explanation of

A) homeopathy.
B) UFO sightings.
C) dowsing.
D) demonic possession.

Question 13

The main problem with most conspiracy theories is that they fail the criterion of

A) scope.
B) simplicity.
C) plausibility.
D) acceptability.

Question 14

The logical pattern for inference to the best explanation is
Phenomenon Q.
E provides the best explanation for Q.
Therefore, it is probable that E is true.

Question 15

The criteria of adequacy are the essential tools of homeopaths.

Question 16

A theory's strangeness is not a good reason to discount it.

Question 17

The best strategy for evaluating theories is to weigh the evidence for each theory, and the theory with the most evidence wins.

Question 18

Inference to the best explanation is rarely outside the natural sciences.

Question 19

The best theory is the eligible theory that meets the criteria of adequacy better than any of its competitors.

Question 20

The moral fault theory of disease is testable.

Question 21

Other things being equal, theories that successfully predict previously unknown phenomena are more credible than those that don't.

Question 22

Scientists always reject theories that conflict with their established beliefs.

Question 23

There is no strict formula or protocol for applying the criteria of adequacy.

Question 24

Other things being equal, the best theory is the one that fits best with our established beliefs.

Question 25

Our established beliefs can be shown to be false.

Question 26

No theory that fails to make novel predictions is ever accepted by scientists.

Question 27

An inference to the best explanation always goes beyond the available evidence.

Question 28

Testable theories are automatically deemed the best.

Question 29

Conspiracy theories make for bad explanatory theories because they can never be tested.

Question 30

Despite their other faults, conspiracy theories usually satisfy the criterion of simplicity.

Question 31

Scientists eventually accepted Copernicus's theory of planetary motion over Ptolemy's because the former was simpler.

Question 32

Untestable theories have no scope.

Question 33

Failure to consider alternative theories is the archetypal mistake in inquiries into the paranormal or supernatural.

Question 34

What is the TEST formula? How is it applied to theories?

Question 35

In inference to the best explanation, why should we always consider alternative theories?

Question 36

What are the criteria of adequacy? How are they used to evaluate theories?

Question 37

What is an eligible theory? Why is theory eligibility important?

Question 38

Why is a fruitful theory more likely to be true than an unfruitful theory?

Question 39

What is an untestable theory and why aren't untestable theories useful?

Question 40

Why is the simplest theory less likely to be incorrect?

Question 41

What is an ad hoc hypothesis? Why do ad hoc hypotheses always make a theory less simple?

Question 42

Why are conservative theories more likely to be true than ones that aren't conservative? Are conservative theories always true?