Inductive reasoning refers to drawing conclusions based on patterns or trends in observed data points rather than relying on a comprehensive set of facts. It involves making generalizations starting from specific individual cases. While inductive arguments can vary in strength based on how well the premises support the conclusion, induction alone does not constitute a valid proof because the conclusion may not apply to all cases, even if it has been observed to apply in many specific examples. The document provides examples of inductive reasoning arguments regarding characteristics that could be assumed about individuals based on common patterns or trends observed in their professions or activities.

1. INDUCTIVE
REASONING

2. Inductive reasoning
refers to the process of arriving
at a conclusion based on a set
of observations.

4. What should be the next figure?

7. Inductive reasoning refers to
reasoning that takes specific
information and makes a
broader generalization that is
considered probable, allowing
for the fact that the conclusion
may not be accurate.

8. In itself, it is not a valid
method
of
proof.
Just
because a person observes a
number of situations in which
a pattern exists doesn't mean
that that pattern is true for all
situations.

9. Inductive arguments are
arguments intended to be
judged
by
the
inductive
standard of, "Do the premises
make the conclusion probable?"
So the strengths of inductive
arguments range from
very weak to very strong.

10. Jill and Bob are friends. Jill likes to
dance, cook and write. Bob likes to
dance and cook. Therefore it can
be assumed that…
Bob also likes to write.

11. Robert is a teacher. All observed
teachers are nice. Therefore, it can
be assumed that…
Robert is nice.

12. John is a financial analyst.
Individuals with professions in
finance are observed to be very
serious.
John is a very serious
person.

13. Jenny is a dancer. Dancers are
observed to be thin and tall.
Jenny is thin and tall.

14. All observed police officers are
under 50 years old. John is a police
officer.
John is under 50 years old.