Question

Which among the following Mill's canons can be used to explain the discovery of the planet Neptune ?

• A. Method of residues
• B. Method of difference
• C. Method of agreement
• D. Method of concomitant variation

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Method of residues

1. Observation: Uranus's motion deviated from predictions.

2. Known Causes: Effects of other planets on Uranus's motion were accounted for.

3. Residue: Unexplained motion remained after subtracting known effects.

4. Unknown Cause: Residual motion attributed to unknown planet (Neptune).

5. Confirmation: Neptune's discovery confirmed the prediction.