
Contents
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The case against the regularity theory The case against the regularity theory
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Dretske–Tooley–Armstrong critique Dretske–Tooley–Armstrong critique
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Dretske’s critique of the regularity theory Dretske’s critique of the regularity theory
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Accidental generalizations Accidental generalizations
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Best system analysis Best system analysis
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Explanation Explanation
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Salmon and Dowe on explanation Salmon and Dowe on explanation
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Causal explanation Causal explanation
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Counterfactuals in the W–H Theory Counterfactuals in the W–H Theory
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Counterfactuals and the problem of circularity Counterfactuals and the problem of circularity
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Application to accidental generalizations Application to accidental generalizations
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Systematicity Analysis (SA) Systematicity Analysis (SA)
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Noncausal laws Noncausal laws
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11 The Regularity Theory II: Laws and Accidental Generalizations
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Published:January 2012
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Abstract
The critiques of the regularity theory by Fred Dretske, Michael Tooley, and D. M. Armstrong are shown to fail. A categorization of “accidental generalizations” is offered. The failures of the best system analysis version of the regularity theory, for example, the failure to define simplicity and the failure to produce a measure to weigh the gain in simplicity against the loss of information strength, are cited. Various principles for distinguishing laws from accidental generalizations without invoking necessity are offered. Use is made of James Woodward and Christopher Hitchcock’s approach to explanation in terms of invariant generalizations. A charge of circularity resulting from the use of counterfactuals is rebutted by introducing the theory of counterfactuals of Eric Hiddleston. Results are summarized in the form of a systematicity analysis of three principles designed to distinguish laws from accidental generalizations.
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