Peirce on Inference

Inference is at the core of all inquiry, whether philosophical or scientific. If we hope to ascertain what is true, we must follow sound procedures of inquiry. The American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914), who was also a leading scientist of his age, spent his life reflecting on what these procedures are, whether they are valid, and how we can make our inferences stronger. Peirce on Inference presents a comprehensive account of Peirce's lifelong reflections on these topics, including how Peirce responds to various objections to the validity of inferences.

Richard Kenneth Atkins is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Boston College. He is author of Charles S. Peirce's Phenomenology (2018), Peirce and the Conduct of Life (2016), and Puzzled?! (2015). He is co-editor of Peirce on Perception and Reasoning (2017). His articles have appeared in Synthese, British Journal for the History of Philosophy, European Journal of Philosophy, and History and Philosophy of Logic, among other venues. He previously served as Executive Director of the Charles S. Peirce Society.

Introduction
1. Inference and Argument
2. Classifying Inferences
3. Validity
4. Deduction
5. Induction: Validity and Strength
6. Induction: Objections and Replies
7. Abduction
Bibliography
Index