Inductive Arguments

Inductive argument

the claim is probable upon the strength of the premise

Enumerative

An argument that proceeds from the knowledge of a selected sample, to some general claim. The entire group is called the target group. The observed members of the group are called the sample, and the group characteristics we’re interested in is called the relevant property.

Members (sample) have property

Therefore, Group (target) has property

enumerative argument

Analogy

attempt to make a case for the conclusion based on a relationship that can be determined between or among the properties or features of various things of events. They typically draw conclusions about individuals from individulas, unlike enumerative arguments.

Thing A has properties x, y, z

Thing B has properties x, y, z

Suppose thing A has property Q

Therefore we can infer that thing B has Q also

Analogy

The number of relevant similarities among things being compared.
The number of relevant dissimilarities.

The number of instances, or cases, of similarities or dissimilarities.

The diversity among the case.

Analogy

Causal

Tries to prove a causal claim. Tries to demonstrate a certain kind of relationship on the basis of information and observations.

Causal Methods

Agreement, Difference, Joint, and Correlation (concomitant variation)

Method of Agreement

If two or more occurances of a phenomenon have only one relevant fact or circumstance in common, then that factor must be the cause. Finding the necessary condition for the causal relation.

Method of Difference

When you have a case where there is a relevant factor present when a phenomenon occurs, and absent when that phenomenon does not occur, then that factor must be the cause of the phenomenon. Process of elimination

Joint Method of Agreement and Difference

Applying both methods.

Method of Correlation

Finding the correlation between the effects and the causes.