Induction by Enumeration Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does deductive mean?

Premises are meant to logically entail the conclusion.

What does inductive mean?

Premises are meant only to make the conclusion probable.

What are inductive arguments?

Arguments that are commonly used in science and daily life and make the conclusion probable.

Types of inductive argument/reasoning include __________.

Enumerative induction, statistical syllogism, arguments from analogy, causal arguments, inference to the best explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What is enumerative induction?

Going from premises about observed instances to a conclusion about the whole group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the target group or population?

The group which the induction is about. Signup and view all the answers

What does sample refer to in inductive reasoning?

Instances of the group that have been observed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a relevant property?

The property projected from the sample to the target group. Signup and view all the answers

Common problems for enumerative inductions include __________.

Sample size too small, sample is not representative, poorly formulated questions, clueless respondents, target group not homogeneous. Signup and view all the answers

What is a special case of enumerative induction?

Opinion polls. Signup and view all the answers

Bad or misleading questions can include __________.

Leading questions, loaded questions, unclear or ambiguous questions, failure to provide an opt-out, illicit use of absolutes. Signup and view all the answers

What are statistical syllogisms?

Arguments based on incomplete but good knowledge of a group to conclude something about a member. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general form of statistical induction?

Most As are Bs; X is an A; therefore, X is a B. Signup and view all the answers

What is the form of arguments from analogy?

A is similar to B in features; A has additional feature N; therefore, B also possesses feature N. Signup and view all the answers

What is the subject in the context of arguments?

What the argument is trying to establish a conclusion about. Signup and view all the answers

What are the similarities in analogies?

The common features between the subject and the analogue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the target property in arguments from analogy?

The property of the subject one is trying to establish. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inductive and Deductive Arguments

Deductive arguments entail conclusions logically derived from premises.
Inductive arguments aim to make conclusions probable, focusing on observed instances.

Types of Inductive Reasoning

Enumerative induction involves generalizing from specific observed instances to broader conclusions.
Statistical syllogisms draw conclusions about individuals based on group characteristics.
Arguments from analogy compare similarities between two entities to infer properties.
Causal arguments establish a relationship of cause and effect.
Inference to the best explanation infers the most compelling explanation based on the evidence presented.

Enumerative Induction

Example: Observations of ravens being black lead to the generalization that all ravens are black.
This method assesses observed instances to draw conclusions about unobserved instances.

Key Components of Inductive Arguments

Target Group or Population: The overall group being generalized (e.g., all ravens).
Sample: Observed instances that form the basis for induction (e.g., black ravens).
Relevant Property: The attribute inferred from the sample to the target group (e.g., blackness).

Common Problems in Enumerative Inductions

Small sample size can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Unrepresentative samples undermine the validity of generalizations.
Poorly formulated questions can skew data and responses.
Non-homogeneity in target groups regarding the property being projected complicates conclusions.

Opinion Polls and Representativeness

For accurate results, a sample should mirror the target group in characteristics and proportions.
Random sampling is the most effective way to ensure representativeness.

Issues with Question Quality

Leading and loaded questions can bias responses.
Vague questions may elicit unclear answers.
Failure to provide response options can skew data.
Double-barreled questions confuse respondents by combining multiple inquiries.

Statistical Syllogisms

Involves drawing conclusions about an individual based on incomplete group knowledge.
Example: If most members of a group share a characteristic, an individual from that group is likely to share it too.

Structure of Statistical Induction

Premise 1: Majority of group characteristics
Premise 2: Individual is part of that group
Conclusion: Individual possesses that characteristic

Evaluation of Statistical Syllogisms

Strength depends on the accuracy of the generalization and how typical the individual is within that group.
Generalizations based on a higher percentage yield stronger conclusions.

Arguments from Analogy

Analogical reasoning involves comparing similarities between two entities to infer characteristics of one based on the other.
Essential components include the subject, analogue, similarities, and the target property.

Evaluating Analogical Arguments

Assess the number and relevance of similarities and dissimilarities between the subject and analogue.
Greater diversity among analogues supports stronger analogical arguments.

Example of Analogical Reasoning

Comparison of androids and humans establishes that if humans feel pain, androids may also possess this capability based on shared similarities.

Strength of Arguments from Analogy

The strength of the analogy increases with more instances, especially if they are diverse, as they represent a broader range similar to inductive reasoning.

Weak Analogical Reasoning

Irrelevant similarities lead to weak conclusions, as seen in the example about book covers implying similar qualities falsely.

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Description

Explore key concepts of deduction and induction with this flashcard set. Understand the differences between deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as their applications in science and everyday arguments. Perfect for students looking to master logical frameworks.