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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]
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16576
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Science is based on induction, for general truths about fire, rhubarb and magnets
[Buridan]
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19387
|
Hypotheses come from induction, which is comparison of experiences
[Leibniz]
|
2198
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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]
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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]
|