Background
Niiniluoto, Ilkka Maunu Olavi was born on March 12, 1946 in Helsinki, Finland. Son of Yrjö Eemil and Marja Annikki (Linturi) Niiniluoto.
(The modern discussion on the concept of truthlikeness was...)
The modern discussion on the concept of truthlikeness was started in 1960. In his influential Word and Object, W. V. O. Quine argued that Charles Peirce's definition of truth as the limit of inquiry is faulty for the reason that the notion 'nearer than' is only "defined for numbers and not for theories". In his contribution to the 1960 International Congress for Logic, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science at Stan ford, Karl Popper defended the opposite view by defining a compara tive notion of verisimilitude for theories. was originally introduced by the The concept of verisimilitude Ancient sceptics to moderate their radical thesis of the inaccessibility of truth. But soon verisimilitudo, indicating likeness to the truth, was confused with probabilitas, which expresses an opiniotative attitude weaker than full certainty. The idea of truthlikeness fell in disrepute also as a result of the careless, often confused and metaphysically loaded way in which many philosophers used - and still use - such concepts as 'degree of truth', 'approximate truth', 'partial truth', and 'approach to the truth'. Popper's great achievement was his insight that the criticism against truthlikeness - by those who urge that it is meaningless to speak about 'closeness to truth' - is more based on prejudice than argument.
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Niiniluoto, Ilkka Maunu Olavi was born on March 12, 1946 in Helsinki, Finland. Son of Yrjö Eemil and Marja Annikki (Linturi) Niiniluoto.
Bachelor of Science, University Helsinki, 1967. Master of Science, University Helsinki, 1968. License of Philosophy, University Helsinki, 1971.
Doctor of Philosophy, University Helsinki, 1974.
Teaching assistant University Helsinki, 1969-1971, docent in philosophy, 1974-1981, associate professor mathematics, 1975-1981, professor theoretical philosophy, since 1981. Research assistant Academy Finland, Helsinki, 1971-1973. Member Research Council for Humanities, Academy Finland, 1974-1979.
Dean Faculty of Arts University Helsinki, 1990-1991, 93-94, vice-rector, since 1998.
(The modern discussion on the concept of truthlikeness was...)
Member governing board International Federation Philosophical Societies, 1985-1988, 98—, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Helsinki, 1985-1994, chairman, 1992-1994. President Finnish Society for Science Studies, 1985-1986. Member Philosophical Society Finland (president since 1975), Philosophy of Science Association, Association for Symbolic Logic, British Society for Philosophy of Science, Charles Pierce Society, Society for Social Study of Science, Society for Philosophy and Technology.
Married Ritva Tuulikki Pelkonen, January 11, 1973. Children: Petro, Riikka-Maria, Atro.