Inference to the best explanation and mechanisms in medicine

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Medical Epistemology
• Causal Inference

Background:

• Causal claims in medicine require robust confirmation methods.
• The role of mechanistic evidence in scientific reasoning is crucial.
• Existing methods may not fully capture the interplay between different evidence levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate inference to the best explanation (IBE) as a method for confirming causal claims.
• To explore the compatibility of IBE with medical evidence, particularly mechanistic evidence.
• To analyze IBE's alignment with scientific reasoning and evidence assessment.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of inference to the best explanation (IBE).
• Examination of the balance/weight distinction in evidence philosophy.
• Case study considerations of mechanistic and population-level evidence in medical research.

Main Results:

• IBE accurately describes how scientists select among competing hypotheses.
• IBE is compatible with the balance/weight distinction central to evidence evaluation.
• IBE effectively integrates mechanistic and population-level assessments for causal claims.

Conclusions:

• Inference to the best explanation (IBE) offers a promising framework for confirming causal claims in medicine.
• IBE provides a philosophically sound method that reflects actual scientific practice.
• The integration of mechanistic and population-level data through IBE strengthens causal inference.