Inference to the Best Explanation

How do we go about weighing evidence, testing hypotheses, and making inferences? The model of "Inference to the Best Explanation" - that we infer the hypothesis that would, if correct, provide the best explanation of the available evidence - offers a compelling account of inferences both in science and in ordinary life. Widely cited by epistemologists and philosophers of science, IBE has nonetheless remained little more than a slogan. First published in 1991, "Inference to the Best Explanation" offered a detailed analysis of this important and influential model. Now this work has been thoroughly revised and updated, and features a new introduction and two new chapters. Peter Lipton considers the relationship between IBE and ideas of "loveliness" and "likeliness", and responds to objections to the theory. "Inference to the Best Explanation" is an exposition of a theory of particular interest to students both of epistemology and the philosophy of science.

Praise for the First Edition: '[Lipton's] book marks a real advance. It deserves to be read by all philosophers interested in the theory of knowledge and the philosophy of science.' - Mind'The first edition of Peter Lipton's Inference to the Best Explanation, which appeared in 1991, is a modern classic in the philosophy of science. Yet in the second edition of the book, Lipton proves that even a classic can be improved ... a 'must' read for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of inductive inference, broadly understood.' – Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews'Peter Lipton's excellent book approaches the descriptive task with imagination and style. Lipton argues persuasively that an understanding of the workings of contrastive explanation can yield insight into our inferential practices.' - Times Literary Supplement'Lipton makes valuable contributions with respect to any number of important questions in epistemology and philosophy of science. Anyone with more than a passing interest in these fields will find his book indispensable.' - The Philosophical Review'Interesting and challenging ... those who relish clear and thorough philosophical discussion will find this book very rewarding. I did.' - Meta Science'This excellent book .. [offers] significant clarity ... in the quest to understand our non-demonstrative inferences.' –The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 'The first edition of Peter Lipton's Inference to the Best Explanation, which appeared in 1991, is a modern classic in the philosophy of science. Yet in the second edition of the book, Lipton proves that even a classic can be improved ... a 'must' read for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of inductive inference, broadly understood.' – Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews'Peter Lipton's excellent book approaches the descriptive task with imagination and style. Lipton argues persuasively that an understanding of the workings of contrastive explanation can yield insight into our inferential practices.' – Times Literary Supplement'Lipton makes valuable contributions with respect to any number of important questions in epistemology and philosophy of science. Anyone with more than a passing interest in these fields will find his book indispensable.' – The Philosophical Review

Peter Lipton is Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge.