inductive methodit is a mental process that, in order to arrive at knowledge or demonstration of the truth, starts from particular, proven facts and draws a general conclusion.
It is a method based on induction, that is, on a mental operation that consists in establishing a universal truth or a general reference based on knowledge of a certain number of singular data.
Example: All dogs that were observed had hearts.
Therefore, all dogs have a heart.
In contrast to the inductive method, the deductive method it does not produce new knowledge, its conclusions are drawn on the basis of existing and implicit knowledge.
Example: Every mammal has a heart.
Now every dog is a mammal.
Therefore, all dogs have a heart.
Other methods seek to reach knowledge, seeking to demonstrate the truth through different ways. O empirical method it is based solely on experience, it is characterized by common sense, without any proof. O scientific method, part of the systematic observation of facts, experience, logical deductions and proof.
There are also skeptics, who based on skepticism, doubt everything and recognize doubt as the only attitude of the sage.
Learn more about Skepticism.
Francis Bacon and the Inductive Method
Francis Bacon was an English philosopher and essayist who dedicated himself to scientific philosophy. He is considered the father of the experimental method.
In his works, he highlights the primacy of facts over theorizing and rejects philosophical speculation as scientifically valid. Discusses the origin of things and the nature of matter.
Bacon claims that without knowledge there is no power. His inductive method was based on the observation of facts, through inductive reasoning, that is, through the experimentation of what could be observed. Bacon's scientific empiricism awakened in man a taste for the concrete and for experience.
Inductive Method and Deductive Method
The inductive method is what contrasts with the method that uses deduction as the main tool of analysis.
While the inductive method starts from specific cases to try to arrive at a general rule, the deductive method starts from understanding the general rule to arrive at the conclusion of specific cases.
Another important aspect is that, many times, the inductive method leads to an undue generalization of specific cases, which cannot always be considered true. This does not occur in the deductive method, as it uses the process of premises to reach a conclusion.
Learn more about deductive method.