# Inductive Reasoning

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive\_reasoning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_reasoning)

**Inductive reasoning** is a method of reasoning in which the premises are viewed as supplying some evidence, but not full assurance, of the truth of the conclusion.

It is also described as a method where one's experiences and observations, including what are learned from others, are synthesized to come up with a general truth.

Many dictionaries define inductive reasoning as the derivation of general principles from specific observations (arguing from specific to general), although there are many inductive arguments that do not have that form.

Inductive reasoning is distinct from _deductive reasoning_. While, if the premises are correct, the conclusion of a deductive argument is certain, the _truth of the conclusion of an inductive argument is probable_, based upon the evidence given.

## Deductive vs inductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning ("top-down logic") contrasts with _inductive reasoning_ ("bottom-up logic"):

* In deductive reasoning, a conclusion is reached _by reduction_ by applying general rules which hold over the entirety of a closed domain of discourse, narrowing the range under consideration until only the conclusion remains. In deductive reasoning there is no _epistemic uncertainty_.
* In inductive reasoning, the conclusion is reached _by generalizing_ or extrapolating from specific cases to general rules resulting in a conclusion that has epistemic uncertainty.

> The inductive reasoning is not the same as induction used in mathematical proofs - **mathematical induction is actually a form of deductive reasoning**.

## Deductive vs abductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning differs from _abductive reasoning_ by the direction of the reasoning relative to the conditionals. Deductive reasoning goes in the same direction as that of the conditionals, whereas abductive reasoning goes in the opposite direction to that of the conditionals.
