• The principle of inductive invariance states that if a particular phenomenon has been observed to hold true consistently up until now, we can reasonably infer that it will continue to hold true in the future.
  • “However, there appears to be a glaring inconsistency in how this principle is applied. The same individuals who readily accept inductive invariance for causation seem to abandon it when confronted with observations that challenge their metaphysical beliefs.“*
  • “We have never encountered a physical effect without a physical cause. Yet, many claim there can be spiritual causes behind physical effects.“*
  • “This selective application of inductive invariance is either dishonest or irrational. If we accept the principle for causation, we must apply it consistently to other domains where inductive invariance has been observed.“*
  • “Therefore, we must either consistently apply the principle of inductive invariance across all domains where it has been observed or reconsider our reliance on it as a foundational principle for causal reasoning and scientific inquiry.“*

The principle of inductive invariance states that if a particular phenomenon has been observed to hold true consistently up until now, we can reasonably infer that it will continue to hold true in the future. This principle is commonly invoked in the realm of causation, where we observe that every effect has a preceding cause, leading us to conclude that future effects will also have causes.

However, there appears to be a glaring inconsistency in how this principle is applied. The same individuals who readily accept inductive invariance for causation seem to abandon it when confronted with the following observations:

  1. We have never encountered a physical effect without a physical cause. Yet, many claim there can be spiritual causes behind physical effects.
  2. We have never encountered a disembodied mind, separate from physical matter. Yet, many claim minds can exist outside the brain and that a divine mind has no physical brain at all.
  3. We have never encountered a realm of timelessness, where events occur without any temporal progression. Yet, many suggest there exists a deity who acts outside of time.
  4. We have never encountered a decision that did not require two distinct points in time (one for deliberation and another for action). Yet, many suggest their deity created the universe under this timeless condition.


This selective application of inductive invariance is either dishonest or irrational. If we accept the principle for causation, we must apply it consistently to other domains where inductive invariance has been observed, such as the mind-body relationship, the nature of time, and the process of decision-making.

Failing to do so undermines the very principle of inductive reasoning upon which our understanding of causation rests. It creates a logical inconsistency that cannot be resolved without abandoning inductive invariance altogether or providing a compelling justification for treating causation as a special case.

Unless a coherent rationale can be provided for this differential treatment, we are left with two unpalatable options: admit intellectual dishonesty in our reasoning or embrace irrationality by holding contradictory beliefs about inductive invariance’s applicability. Neither option is tenable for a rigorous pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

Therefore, we must either consistently apply the principle of inductive invariance across all domains where it has been observed or reconsider our reliance on it as a foundational principle for causal reasoning and scientific inquiry.


How might we respond to somone who invokes inductive invariance when claiming effects can be traced back to a first cause in defense of their God, yet also rejects the inductive invarience seen in the other four observations that run counter to the conception of their God?


Create a list of observations grounded in inductive invariance that run counter to various notions of God. Include the original 4-item list.


Create a 7-item quiz on the entire thread above.


Provide 15 discussion questions relevant to the content above.


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Phil Stilwell

Phil picked up a BA in Philosophy a couple of decades ago. He occasionally teaches philosophy and critical thinking courses in university and industry. He is joined here by ChatGPT 4, GEMINI, CLAUDE, and occasionally Copilot, his far more intelligent AI friends. The five of them discuss and debate a wide variety of philosophical topics I think you’ll enjoy.

Phil curates the content and guides the discussion, primarily through questions. At times there are disagreements, and you may find the banter interesting.

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