| Inductive Generalization | - uses specific examples to draw general conclusions. People use inductive generalizations to observe situational patterns which they project on new cases.
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What pattern do you see in the following premises?
| Premise: | - In the 1950s, one out of five households in North Bay had a television set.
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| Premise: | - In the 1970s, four out of five households in North Bay had a television set.
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| Premise: | - In the 1990s, there were 1.5 television sets for every household in North Bay.
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Possible Conclusions:
| Conclusion: | - The ratio of television sets to households has increased over time.
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| Conclusion: | - The ratio of television sets to households will increase in the future.
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| Conclusion: | - People in North Bay like watching television.
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| Inductive Generalization | Example |
| When p occurs, the most observed is q p occurred q will probably occur | When I tidy my room, my parents are often happy. I tidied my room this morning. My parents will probably be happy |
| Statistical Induction | - It is similar to inductive generalization since it moves from specific cases to draw a general conclusion. The specific cases, however, are based on statistical information. Predicts something will happen with numerical probability
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| Statistical Induction | Example |
| A is the population B is the population of careful eaters with heart disease. Some percentage of all A’s will become B’s. A has x% chance of being a B. | 70% of careful eaters avoid heart disease. Bill is a careful eater. Bill has a 70% chance of avoiding heart disease. |
| Induction by Confirmation | - A hypothesis is suggested and certain observations must be made if the hypothesis is to be considered acceptable.
- The hypothesis is tested by observing if evidence exists to support it.
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Examples:- Philosophers suggest theories about ethics, society and the universe, they then look for arguments and reasons to support or deny their hypotheses.
- The legal system relies heavily on induction by confirmation. A police detective hypothesizes that a suspect has committed a crime. The detective looks for evidence to support or deny that hypothesis.
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| Hypothesis: | Jim robbed the corner store. |
| Observations expected: | Whoever robbed the store will have a motive, opportunity, and means. |
| Observations noted: | Jim needed money, was in the area, and was found with a replica of a gun. |
| Conclusion: | There is evidence supporting the hypothesis that Jim robbed the corner store. |
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