Theory #9: Induction

Question 1

What is “Induction”? (3 points)

Answer 1

• Involves proceeding from the particular (observation of facts & evidence, of empirical phenomena) to the general (scientific explanations, theories, laws)
• Begins with: particular (empirical observations of facts & evidence)
• To arrive at: general (general scientific knowledge, scientific theories, laws)

Question 2

Give an example of Induction.

Answer 2

We begin with an observation (= the particular): Five pigs in my farm, Porky, Petunia, Polly, Betsy & Piggy, do not fly

We arrive at: a law (= general):
Therefore, all pigs don’t fly