Inductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning is a type of reasoning in which a universal law or principle is established from repeated observations of the same phenomena.[1]
Specifically, inductive reasoning is a "method of reasoning where you make broad generalizations based on specific observations or experiences. It starts with a set of specific examples and moves towards a general conclusion or theory. This type of reasoning is often used in scientific research and everyday decision-making to identify patterns and make predictions."[2]
Inductive logic is ampliative, but is famously less certain. In a strong inductive argument, even when the premises are true, it is still possible for the conclusion to be false. An example of an inductive argument is:
- P1: The first student is wearing red
- P2: The second student is wearing red
- P(n): The nth student is wearing red
- Conclusion: All students are wearing red
Given the amount of evidence, it is reasonable to inductively conclude that all students are wearing red; however, one's senses could fail or a student could be hiding who is wearing blue. Given this, the conclusion is never certainly true and can only be highly probably true. The event of moving from "n examples are this way" to a universal statement that "all examples are this way" is commonly known as the problem of induction.
See also
- Principle of induction
- Scientific method
- Abductive reasoning
- Deductive reasoning
- Rational thinking
- Logical reasoning
External links
- Inductive Reasoning | Types, Examples, Explanation
- What Is Inductive Reasoning? Definitions, Types and Examples, Indeed
- Deductive, inductive and abductive reasoning, Butte College
- Types Of Reasoning-Advantages, Disadvantages And Examples (Covers deductive/inductive/abductive reasoning)
References
- ↑ Meyer, Stephen C. (2008). Signature in the Cell. New York: HarperOne, 153–156. ISBN 978-0-06-147279-2.
- ↑ How does inductive reasoning work?
