Topic > Human Understanding: What is Inductive Reasoning?

Inquiry into Human IntellectPart I: What is Induction?The term inductive reasoning refers to reasoning that takes specific information and makes a broader generalization that is considered likely, taking into account that the conclusion may not be accurate. An example of inductive reasoning is: all observed children like to play with Legos. All children, therefore, enjoy playing with Legos. Relying on inductive reasoning in everyday life is just part of human nature. If someone considered every plausible outcome of a given situation, they would never do anything and would never be gripped by worry. The simple principle of induction (SPI) states that: “If every A observed so far has also been a B, and you have no particular reason to think that the next A will not be a B, then infer that the next A will be a B .If I saw 1000 Labrador Retrievers in a row in my pet salon, and I have no reason to think that the next dog will not be a Labrador, then I infer that the next dog will be a Labrador.Part II: The Problem of InductionCa...