An Appraisal of David Hume’s Problem of Induction

ABSTRACT
The problem of induction, as articulated by David Hume, remains a pivotal challenge in epistemology, questioning how knowledge is acquired and justified. This study offers a comprehensive examination of Hume's problem, encompassing its historical context, philosophical implications, and contemporary relevance. David Hume, a thorough going empiricist sees induction as being inconsistent of providing an indubitable knowledge, as there is no necessary connection between event A and event B. For Hume, the problem of induction questions our reasons for believing that the future will resemble the past, or more broadly it questions predictions about unobserved things based on previous observations. The purpose of this paper is to appraise and suggest that the problem of induction can be escaped, while the problem requires very few assumptions, there is one that is not usually challenged. It is that inductive inference is governed by universal rules. Rooted in the Enlightenment period, Hume's critique emphasizes the uncertainty inherent in extrapolating from past experiences to future events, and highlights the tension between empirical evidence and rational justification. Despite its widespread application, the epistemic validity of induction remains a contentious issue, sparking ongoing debate among scholars across disciplines. The study aims to address central questions by analyzing Hume's original arguments, evaluating philosophical responses, exploring contemporary perspectives, and assessing proposed solutions. This paper adopts the philosophical method of analysis and criticism in discussing Hume’s problem of induction. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the foundational discourse of epistemology, its implications for scientific methodology and critical thinking, its interdisciplinary relevance, and its practical implications for decision-making and policy formation. By providing a nuanced understanding of the epistemological foundations of induction, this study advances knowledge in human cognition, inquiry, and societal progress.