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<small>''This article is about the term as it is used in the sciences.  For mathematical induction, see [[Proof by induction]]''</small>

<small>''This article is about the term as it is used in the sciences.  For mathematical induction, see [[Proof by induction]]''</small>

The '''principle of induction''' is perhaps most succinctly described as the reason that we believe that the Sun will rise tomorrow.  It is a form of reasoning whereby general statements are derived from a collection of singular observations.

The '''principle of induction''' is perhaps most succinctly described as the reason that we believe that the Sun will rise tomorrow.  It is a form of reasoning whereby [[Generalization|general statements]] are derived from a collection of singular observations.

If something seems to happen repeatedly, such as an apple falling to the ground when it leaves the tree, one can use this prior behavior to predict what will happen next.  The reason we believe that the Sun will rise tomorrow is that it has done so, without exception, countless times in the past.

If something seems to happen repeatedly, such as an apple falling to the ground when it leaves the tree, one can use this prior behavior to predict what will happen next.  The reason we believe that the Sun will rise tomorrow is that it has done so, without exception, countless times in the past.