19. QUESTIONS FOR ORIGINAL THOUGHT AND INVESTIGATION.
(1) Show the connection between illicit minor and the “inductive hazard.”
(2) Show by illustration that time tends to universalize truth.
(3) “Induction and not deduction is the natural method of the child mind.” Prove the correctness of this statement.
(4) “Induction is the process of inference by which we get at general truths from particular facts or cases.” Prove that this is not strictly correct according to definition.
(5) As related to establishing general truths, what are the special functions of induction and deduction?
(6) Show that an inductive inference must of necessity be more or less uncertain.
(7) Is there any distinction between the laws of universal causation and sufficient reason? Hyslop’s Elements of Logic, page 329.
(8) Show that universal causation and uniformity of nature are complementary laws. Hyslop, p. 330.
(9) Relate the “fact of causation” to the laws of thought.
(10) Distinguish between empirical and “a priori” laws.
(11) When Harvey discovered the circulation of the blood, what form of induction did he use?
(12) What form of reasoning did Columbus follow in proving that the earth is spherical?
(13) “It is said that the greatness of Darwin was due largely to his habit of never ignoring an exception.” Justify by illustration the truth of this assertion.
(14) In analogical reasoning by example, under what conditions would one illustration be as convincing as many?
(15) “Considering the similarities and differences, the weight of the argument favors Mars’ habitability.” Suppose the proportion of probability were something like this—Resemblances: Differences = 8:7; wherein might the conclusion be erroneous?
(16) Mention a mark or characteristic which would make the habitability of Mars incompatible?
(17) Select a topic for investigation which is peculiarly adapted to enumeration; to analogy; to analysis.
(18) “The uniformities we expect to find in the world take two main aspects, one of which is indicated by the term thing and the other by the term circumstance.” Aikin’s Principles of Logic, 1905; p. 233. In the light of the two fundamental laws of universal causation and uniformity of nature explain and illustrate the quotation.
(19) Explain the principle of teleology as related to analogy. Hibben, 1908; p. 317.