Abduction of Generalizations

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Published 23-09-2012
DOI https://doi.org/10.1387/theoria.4059
Tjerk Gauderis
Ghent University
Frederik Van De Putte
Ghent University

Abstract

Abduction of generalizations is the process in which explanatory hypotheses are formed for an observed, yet puzzling generalization such as ``pineapples taste sweet" or ``rainbows appear when the sun breaks through the rain". This phenomenon has received little attention in formal logic and philosophy of science. The current paper remedies this lacuna by first giving an overview of some general characteristics of this process, elaborating on its ubiquity in scientific and daily life reasoning. Second, the adaptive logic $\LAG$ is presented to explicate this process formally.

How to Cite

Gauderis, T., & Van De Putte, F. (2012). Abduction of Generalizations. THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 27(3), 345–363. https://doi.org/10.1387/theoria.4059
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Keywords

hypothesis formation, abduction patterns, adaptive logics

Issue
Vol. 27 No. 3 (2012): Rethinking The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Section
ARTICLES

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