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Single Idea 19462

[filed under theme 14. Science / C. Induction / 2. Aims of Induction ]

Full Idea

Inductive reasoning covers all cases in which we pass from a particular statement of fact, or set of them, to a factual conclusion which they do not formally entail. The inference may be to a general law, or by analogy to another particular instance.

Gist of Idea

Induction passes from particular facts to other particulars, or to general laws, non-deductively

Source

A.J. Ayer (The Problem of Knowledge [1956], 2.viii)

Book Ref

Ayer,A.J.: 'The Problem of Knowledge' [Penguin 1966], p.72

A Reaction

My preferred definition is 'learning from experience' - which I take to be the most rational behaviour you could possibly imagine. I don't think a definition should be couched in terms of 'objects' or 'particulars'.

The 14 ideas with the same theme [possible targets for inductive thinking]:

1683 We learn universals from many particulars [Aristotle]
16576 Science is based on induction, for general truths about fire, rhubarb and magnets [Buridan]
19387 Hypotheses come from induction, which is comparison of experiences [Leibniz]
2198 We assume similar secret powers behind similar experiences, such as the nourishment of bread [Hume]
19234 'Induction' doesn't capture Greek 'epagoge', which is singulars in a mass producing the general [Peirce]
17631 Induction is inferring premises from consequences [Russell]
2941 Induction accepts the simplest law that fits our experiences [Wittgenstein]
5190 The induction problem is to prove generalisations about the future based on the past [Ayer]
19462 Induction passes from particular facts to other particulars, or to general laws, non-deductively [Ayer]
21748 More careful inductions gradually lead to the hypothetico-deductive method [Quine]
3095 Induction is an attempt to increase the coherence of our explanations [Harman]
9661 Induction is just reasonable methods of inferring the unobserved from the observed [Lewis]
3709 Induction must go beyond the evidence, in order to explain why the evidence occurred [Bonjour]
6775 Induction is inference to the best explanation, where the explanation is a law [Bird]