Single Idea 14791

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation]

Full Idea

It is of the nature of abduction to involve an original suggestion; while typical induction has no originality in it, but only tests a suggestion already made.

Gist of Idea

Abduction involves original suggestions, and not just the testing involved in induction

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Abduction and Induction [1901], I)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.153


A Reaction

Peirce's 'abduction' is not, then, just the choice of a best explanation. He came up with the idea because he was keen to capture the creative and imaginative character of rational thought.

Related Ideas

Idea 14769 Only imagination can connect phenomena together in a rational way [Peirce]

Idea 14790 'Abduction' is beginning a hypothesis, particularly if it includes preference of one explanation over others [Peirce]

Idea 17685 Induction aims at 'all Fs', but abduction aims at hidden or theoretical entities [Armstrong]