Lars P. Syll — Abduction – the induction that constitutes the essence​ of scientific reasoning

Summary:
Abduction in this sense is reasoning to the best explanation based on relevant information available. (The use of "abduction" by C. S. Peirce, the originator of the term, is somewhat different. See abductive reasoning) Math is an instrument of deduction. Deductive reasoning proceeds logically from a stipulated starting point, e.g., axioms, postulates, using deductive logic or mathematics. Abduction involves constructing conceptual or mathematical models based on what is given. To simplify, abduction begins as a "word problem" involving observation and conceptual understanding. From this a model as a candidate for providing best explanation is developed and then tested against that which is being modeled. Abduction stand in contrast to the intuitive approach to stipulating axioms

Topics:
Mike Norman considers the following as important: abduction, abductive reasoning, best explanation, logic, philosophy of science, scientific reasoning

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