Philosophy › Section E · Logic and reasoning › Topic E.4
Deductive, inductive, and abductive inference
Some reasoning aims at certainty, some at probability, and some at the best available explanation. Knowing which kind you are using tells you how to test it and how far to trust its conclusion.
In this topic
- Three kinds of inference
- Valid deductive forms
- Two invalid look-alikes
- Worked example: naming the form
- Inductive inference
- Strength and Hume's problem
- Abductive inference
- Explanatory virtues
- Worked example: choosing the best explanation
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
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