induction
in-DUK-shuhn
/ɪnˈdʌk.ʃən/
The process of deriving general principles from particular facts or observations.
Yields probable conclusions rather than absolute mathematical guarantees.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'inducere', meaning to lead into. In logic, induction leads multiple distinct observations into a unified rule.
Word relationships
- generalization: Generalization is forming broad statements, while induction is the formal logical method.
- deduction: Deduction moves top-down from universal rules to specific conclusions.
Commonly confused with
- inductance: Inductance is an electrical engineering property, unrelated to logic.
Word family
- induce (verb): To infer general principles from specific observations.
- inductive (adjective): Based on or employing inductive logic.
Collocations
- mathematical induction
- inductive reasoning
- induction from observed cases
Example sentences
- "Through induction, scientists concluded that every swan was white until black swans were discovered in Australia." Scientific Discovery
Memory hook
INduction INtroduces general rules gathered INside sample observations. Bottom-up probability.
When not to use
Do not use when strict mathematical deduction guarantees the result.
Fun facts
- David Hume famously highlighted the 'Problem of Induction', questioning whether past patterns ever guarantee future behavior.
Related words
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