Kon-Tiki Experiments

Philosophy of Science 87 (2):213-236 (2020)
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Abstract

We identify a species of experiment—Kon-Tiki experiments—used to demonstrate the competence of a cause to produce a certain effect, and we examine their role in the historical sciences. We argue that Kon-Tiki experiments are used to test middle-range theory, to test assumptions within historical narratives, and to open new avenues of inquiry. We show how the results of Kon-Tiki experiments are involved in projective inferences, and we argue that reliance on projective inferences does not provide historical scientists with any special protection against the problem of unconceived alternatives.

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Author Profiles

Rose Novick
University of Washington