Thursday, August 19, 2004

The Problem of Induction

SCENE: Two squirrels are frisking about in a park across the street from a butcher's shop. There are lots of humans walking about.

Little Squirrel: Ugh! What ugly, lumbering creatures! Are you sure they aren't dangerous?

Big Squirrel: I'm sure; why won't you trust me on these things?

Little Squirrel: Well, they look rather dangerous, clomping about like ugly walking trees.

Big Squirrel: Well, they're so uncoordinated you might get stepped on, if you're not careful. But as long as you stay out of their path, they're not dangerous. They're not even carnivores.

Little Squirrel: What makes you so sure?

Big Squirrel: I've never seen 'em eat a squirrel. Have you?

One of the ugly, lumbering creatures comes too close, and they both scramble up a tree.