word
Abductive Reasoning
ab-DUK-tiv REE-zun-ing
/æbˈdʌktɪv ˈriːzənɪŋ/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
abductivereasoning
Dictionary meaning
A form of logical inference that starts from an observation and infers the most likely explanatory hypothesis; reasoning to the best explanation
Examples
- A doctor uses abductive reasoning when diagnosing a patient: given these symptoms, what is the most likely cause?
Synonyms: inference to the best explanation, retroduction
Pronunciation tips
Coined by philosopher C.S. Peirce. Distinct from deduction (certain) and induction (probabilistic generalization).
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