3. Universals and Induction

Unlike other species, man has the ability to re-organize his perceptual world in such a way as to discover new relationships. The essence of this ability is his capacity to generalize and to extract universal truths that are applicable to things that he does not perceive.

The two cognitive processes that are fundamental to this capacity are concept formation and induction.

In Part 1 of this talk Dr. Kelley applies Ayn Rand's theory of concepts, set forth in her "Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology," to the important philosophical problem of universals. Since all of our knowledge depends on our reasoning, and all of our reasoning depends on our concepts, philosophers must consider what concepts stand for in reality.

Conceptually, how do we take things apart, into their component attributes, and by what process of integration do we put them together again, into categories?

The two important conceptual features that define this process are the universality and abstractness of concepts.

Part 2 concerns itself with justifying inductive inference, specifically, the type of cognitive operation known as inductive generalization.

[brinham]

These are outstanding lectures. Many years ago, I read Evidence of the Senses--shortly thereafter I purchased these lectures from the old Laisse Faire Books. I don't think I entirely grasped all that Dr. Kelley was trying to get across. Now-- somewhat more intellectually mature-- I'm completely blown away. Dr. Kelley's work is what made me an Objectivist. Again, my thanks for posting.

[davidwood]

These lectures should be taught in high school.

[mitchalx]

I'm trying to find a lecture I watched where David Kelley started off by giving an example of how different philosophers describe driving down a road. I enjoyed the lecture and I want to share it with someone. Does anyone know where this lecture is?