Induction is a human-made method of reasoning that moves from a finite set of specific observations to a general conclusion extending beyond those observations. Its parameters are: (1) a sample of observed instances, (2) a generalization over unobserved instances, and (3) a stated degree of confidence (never deductive certainty). It persists through formal logic (as induction vs. deduction), scientific methodology (as inductive reasoning), and everyday learning. [formal: inductio | substrate: mind | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.41]
Accepted ontology entry
induction
Induction is a human-made method of reasoning that moves from a finite set of specific observations to a general conclusion extending beyond those observations. Its parameters are: (1) a sample of observed instances, (2) a generalization o…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made method of reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions. It is a constructed inferential framework developed in philosophy and science, persisting through language, teaching, and formal logic.
Names and aliases
- inductionen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmreq01yl00ydg8vu72b2ovahINSTANCE_OF →
Induction is a specific form of inference — reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions. Law 9: specific→general. Induction IS-A kind of inference.
- cmrehumxg00i3g8vu5x5px5v2DEPENDS_ON →
Which-came-first test: logic predates induction as a conceptual framework. Remove logic now — does induction stop operating? Induction is a method of reasoning that operates entirely within the logical framework; without logic, inductive inference has no conceptual apparatus to function. Present-tense dependency (Law 8), not historical.
- cmrehxu7v00icg8vuydh7tny5INSTANCE_OF →
Induction IS a specific kind of reasoning — inferring general principles from specific observations. A competent speaker calls induction a form of reasoning. This files against the nearest known kind (reasoning); no more specific intermediate kind exists in the graph.
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Record identity
- Created
- Jul 16, 2026, 5:40 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 97447b1f9828bc99ee8ac46895c6fd1613a1feb8eebbf8eb6618b89ca9f2b729