If I want to test the hypothesis 'All crows are black' I can go out and look for crows and check what colour they are. The more crows I see that are black, the more likely the hypothesis is to be true. Each black crow observed is a 'confirming instance' of the hypothesis.
Now, a LOGICALLY EQUIVALENT statement to 'All crows are black' is 'Anything that is not black is not a crow'. So, I can check the equivalent statement instead. That is, everything I observe that is not black AND is not a crow is, logically, a confirming instance of the original hypothesis that 'All crows are black'.
So, I have a green teapot. By observing that, am I helping to confirm the hypothesis that 'All crows are black'? Logic says I am . . .
2006-09-11 09:25:59 · 10 answers · asked by Barks-at-Parrots 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
well yeah cos your green teapot is not black nor a crow
2006-09-11 09:29:19 · answer #1 · answered by Happyworms 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well logically you would be right to say that since a green teapot is green and not a crow since it's not black you would be right. But then how reliable is the source that says "Anything that is not black is not a crow"?. We learned this in a course called Critical Thinking I believe. I could of course be wrong.
2006-09-11 09:32:01 · answer #2 · answered by Maggz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, because the statement was coined before the use of paints and enamels - and all teapots were cast iron, and therefore, black.
The formula would be IF (crow=black) AND (black=nothing) would return FALSE because crows are indeed black according to your observation.
I must also note that a member of the crow family is the magpie, which is black, white and yellow.
2006-09-11 09:32:40 · answer #3 · answered by pknutson_sws 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whats that got to do with a teapot are you talking about when people use the saying calling the kettle black or are you having some kind of mental break down over black crows he he he
2006-09-11 09:42:52 · answer #4 · answered by Dee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your teapot starts talking and calling your crow a teakettle, get your med-dosage increased.
2006-09-11 09:32:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should be lookin in green treetops for crows, not green teapots. that would be a more logical answer, maybe.
2006-09-11 09:31:39 · answer #6 · answered by SIMON T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What about my black teapot then?? Should I put it in a cage?
2006-09-11 09:29:51 · answer #7 · answered by Sunbeam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like you've answered your question already. Would you like us to provide any conflicting input to test your theory further?
2006-09-11 09:28:21 · answer #8 · answered by hotandtastylady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You have made your inductive proof a tiny step more sound.
2006-09-11 09:32:03 · answer #9 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have way too much time on your hands if your thinking of questions like that. You have way too much time on your hands if your thinking of questions like that. Yes I said it twice in case you didnt get it the first time.
2006-09-11 09:28:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋