Philosophic definition of "Induction"
Induction is a form of reasoning in which one moves from one or more premisses to a conclusion in such a way that while the conclusion seems to have been given justification, it is logically possible for the premises to be true and the conclusion to be false. (glossary.htm)
Induction is probable reasoning whose conclusion goes beyond what is formally contained in it premises. (Phil. Dic.)
Philosphers most associated with the use of philosophical induction are Francis Bacon, James McCosh, John Locke, George Berkeley and David Hume.
An argument is inductive if it makes the milder claim that its premises support but do not quarantee its conclusion. Inductive arguments are strong or weak. In a strong inductive argument with all true premises, the truth of the conclusion is merely probable and its falsehood improbable. The kind of support that strong inductions provide their conclusions is a matter of degree; it is "more or less". The conclusion of an induction always contains more information than was contained in the premises. Inductions are always uncertain in some degree. (Suber)
#1 Example of an inductive argument:
* Seattle has had over 30" of rain each year for the past
ten years.
* Therefore, Seattle will probably have at least 30" of
rain this year.(logic.htm)
#2 Example of an inductive argument:
* a. These beans are from this bag.
* b. These beans are all white
* c. Therefore all beans from the bag are white.
(glossary.htm)
References:
Philosophical Dictionary.http://sophia.hfac.uh.edu/phil/leiber/!glossar.htm
Philosophy pages.http:www.philosophypages.com/dy/19.htm
Inductive Argument.
http:/ethics.acusd.edu/logic/PowerPoint/1_4/Logic%201/sld006.htm
Suber,Peter, (1997). Department of Philosophy, Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, 47374, U.S.A.,peters@earlham.edu