The act or process of reasoning from a part to a whole, from particulars to generals, or from the individual to the universal; also, the result or inference so reached.

(mathematical) a method of proving a general truth affirming that every one of a set of mathematical objects (e.g. the natural numbers) has a certain property (e.g. has exactly one prime factorisation). The method depends upon their being a systematic way of constructing all the elements of the set by starting with one of a finite set of basis elements and repeatedly applying a finite number of constructions (for the natural numbers the basis is the number 0, and the method of construction is addition of 1). An inductive proof then consists of a proof that the basis elements each have the required property and a proof that the construction, when applied to elements having the property, will yield an element also having the property. Mathematical induction is in fact a kind of deduction. It is also called structural induction. (scientific) scientific induction is the process of concluding empirical generalisation s from particular instances, where this is not deductively sound because not all possible instances are premises

An inference from a set of propositions, or premises, that support the truth of another proposition, or conclusion, with a certain degree of probability or likelihood.

The process of reasoning in which one concludes from the individual cases to the existence of general laws or principles.

The process of gaining knowledge through experience. Hume argued highly convincingly that induction proves nothing for certain, and therefore deductive, or a priori knowledge, is highly prized over inductive, or a posteriori knowledge by philosophers. As may have occurred to you already, all scientific knowledge, relying as it does on experiments - experience in other words - is inductive and therefore uncertain.

a method of reasoning in which one proceeds by generalization from a series of specific observations so as to derive general conclusions (cf. deduction).

a tool of hypothesis deriving a general fact from separate observations, ¶1-2-3, cf. deduction: ¶1-2-4.

Inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances. In a science like Physical Geography, inductive reasoning would involve the development of a theory to explain previously collected facts or observed phenomenon.

The method of reasoning that moves from the particular to the general. After a large number of individual instances are observed, a theme of principle common to all of them might be inferred. Dedcutive reasoning starts with some assumption, whereas inductive reasoning does not. Inductive reasoning proceeds from the particular to the general.

A form of logical reasoning that begins with evidence and interprets it to form a conclusion. COMPARE deduction.

a method from rational logic used to draw a general conclusion.

reasoning from detailed facts to general principles

an argument the truth of whose premises would not serve to guarantee the truth of its conclusion, yet would provide some evidence for it

The process of arriving at generalizations (universals) by an observation of facts (particulars). Sometimes called scientific or empirical logic.

The process of determining principles by logic or observation from data.

The process of inferring a generalization from particular instances of a thing or event observed or experienced.

A form of logical inference which allows generalisations to be made from particular examples.

Induction: See deduction.

the use of specific instances or examples to formulate more general conclusions.

involves reasoning from the particular to the general; an inductive theory begins with specific observations and infers general conclusion.

Inferring a general principle from a number of examples. The counterpart of deduction. See also abduction.

In argument, a strategy that uses compelling evidence to lead an audience to an inevitable conclusion. See also deduction.

A method of logical inference used to suggest relationships from observations. This is the process of generalisation we use to create models of the world. See also: Deduction, Abduction, Inference.

The process by which general lessons are drawn from a finite set of experiences or observations. Compare deduction.

A probable inference. (Contrasted with deduction, in which the premises or evidence render the conclusion necessarily true.)

Generally, reasoning from particulars to universals, parts to wholes. Induction is that movement of thought from the moment a question is raised, to the moment a concept has been formed and thoroughly tested. Arguments which follow from inductive thought remain open-ended probabilities, meaning they are always subject to further testing, review, and updating. All practical arguments are ultimately inductive, and our understanding of those arguments is accordingly of a general nature and open.

the process of observing the facts of reality and integrating them into concepts the process of identification of the nature of entities over time

A form of reasoning by which we derive general principles from particular facts or instances sharing common properties. For example, if all ravens of which we have had experience are black, then we might inductively reason that all ravens are black.

induction refers to the process of building theory from observation.

Reasoning that introduces uncertainty.

A system of logic where specific facts are used to draw a general conclusion.

Process of creating categories from instances. Probabilistic reasoning.

Parental control technique that relies on the extensive use of reasoning and explanation as well as the arousal of empathic feelings.

A technique that infers generalizations from the information in the data.