Wiktionary
n. The process of making inferences based upon observed patterns, or simple repetition. Often used in reference to predictions about what ''will happen'' or ''does happen,'' based upon what ''has happened.''
WordNet
n. reasoning from detailed facts to general principles [syn: generalization, generalisation, induction]
Wikipedia
'''Inductive reasoning '''(as opposed to deductive reasoning or abductive reasoning) is reasoning in which the premises are viewed as supplying strong evidence for the truth of the conclusion. While the conclusion of a deductive argument is certain, the truth of the conclusion of an inductive argument is probable, based upon the evidence given.
Many dictionaries define inductive reasoning as reasoning that derives general principles from specific observations, though some sources disagree with this usage.
The philosophical definition of inductive reasoning is more nuanced than simple progression from particular/individual instances to broader generalizations. Rather, the premises of an inductive logical argument indicate some degree of support (inductive probability) for the conclusion but do not entail it; that is, they suggest truth but do not ensure it. In this manner, there is the possibility of moving from general statements to individual instances (for example, statistical syllogisms, discussed below).
Usage examples of "inductive reasoning".
I see things logically, using inductive reasoning from the evidence before my senses.
We must not, indeed, look for precise rules of inductive reasoning in the works of this pioneer writer on scientific method.
One can hear him explaining the thing to Watson in one of those lightning flashes of inductive reasoning of his.
There is, however, a most fundamental-and dangerous- difference between the Sartan approach to magic and our own: Our inductive reasoning as opposed to the deduction of the Sartan.
Deductive and inductive reasoning are poor tools for dealing with things that go bump in the night.
Weve been attempting to design generalized pathways for the last couple of years--robots, I mean, who are not simply limited to the job theyre designed for, but are capable of expanding their own scope by a process that can be compared to inductive reasoning--and its not entirely surprising that something like this, this sort of simulated creativity, should turn up in one of them.