Method
Abductive Reasoning
Classification
- Method family
- argumentative
- Domains
- Epistemology
Overview
Abductive reasoning develops or selects an explanatory hypothesis because it would explain the available evidence better than the live alternatives.
Purpose. The method makes explanatory quality relevant to inquiry when the evidence does not deductively entail one conclusion. Peirce used “abduction” mainly for generating hypotheses; contemporary inference to the best explanation often uses it to compare and provisionally justify them. Neither use makes the conclusion certain.
Characteristic operations
- Identify what needs explaining: State the observation, pattern, or fact that calls for an account.
- Generate live explanations: Form hypotheses that would make the evidence intelligible if they were true.
- Compare explanatory merits: Assess fit with the evidence together with virtues such as simplicity, scope, and coherence.
- Adopt a provisional hypothesis: Prefer or investigate the strongest explanation while keeping it open to testing and revision.