Induction

We explain what induction is in the field of logic and philosophy, in the academic or work environment, in physics and more.

A police officer can deduce the status of a driver from certain evidence.
Induction allows us to reach sensible conclusions, although without absolute certainty.

What is induction?

In general terms, induction is the mechanism or logical procedure by which someone is led to have certain ideas or establish certain conclusions, without having complete certainty in this or conviction. It is a word from Latin inductiocomposed in turn by the voices in- (“inwards”) and ducere (“guide” or “lead”).

Thus, for example, when it is said that someone's attitude “induces suspicion” or “induces distrust”, we are stating that said attitude suggests either invite to suspect or distrust the person, without there being tangible evidence to support the suspicions or distrust. On the other hand, It is possible to say that one thing “induced” another, meaning that the first caused the second.that is, it motivated or produced it, for example: “Water pollution induced the disordered growth of bacteria.”

The word induction can be used in different contexts, always with a similar meaning to suggesting, leading thought or, in ordinary speech, as a synonym for obtaining conclusions, that is, inferring or deducing. In a technical sense, however, these terms should not be treated as synonyms: Induction and deduction are, in fact, contrary logical proceduressince induction starts from specific premises to obtain general conclusions, while deduction starts from general premises to obtain specific conclusions.

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See also: Inductive method

Inductive reasoning

In the field of logic and philosophy, induction or inductive reasoning is a method of logical reasoning capable of obtaining general conclusions from particular premises, provided that the latter suggest or support the conclusionwithout ever guaranteeing it. In this sense, induction is distinguished from deduction or deductive reasoning, whose general premises allow us to affirm a particular conclusion.

Thus, for example, starting from the premise that until now no form of life outside the Earth has been discovered, it is possible to suggest that life does not exist outside of it. It is not possible to say this with certainty, since it is a form of logical extrapolation. inductive thinking It is very important for science and creativity, since it allows us to make sensible and logical speculations. which must then be verified.

Academic or work induction

The term “induction” is often used in a social or professional context, to refer to a training or preparation process, prior to performing the job. The trial periods in which the new worker or new student is introduced or explained what is expected of him or her are called “induction processes” or “induction stages.”

For example, in a company, newly hired workers are given a minimum induction period in which they are detailed how they should work. This brief training period is usually guided by expert or experienced workers, and is intended to minimize possible errors and organize and accelerate the learning curve of the newly hired worker.

electromagnetic induction

An electric stove works by induction.
Electromagnetic induction is used to generate heat energy in ovens and kitchens.

In the field of physics, induction is understood in the context of the forces of magnetism and electricity, that is, electromagnetic induction. This physical phenomenon consists of the generation of an electromotive force (tension) in a body or a medium exposed to a non-uniform electromagnetic fieldwhich leads to a transfer of energy (i.e., induced current).

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electromagnetic induction It is used in generators and motors to produce electricitythanks to the application of Faraday's Law, or to generate heat energy in ovens and induction cookers.

Other uses of the term “induction”

In addition to those detailed above, the term “induction” has the following specific uses:

  • In the field of medicine, specifically obstetrics, we speak of “inducing labor” to refer to the application of medications or procedures that initiate labor in a pregnant woman.
  • In the field of medicine and psychology, there is talk of “inducing sleep” to refer to the action of drugs and substances capable of producing sleepthat is, to relax and put the patient to sleep.
  • In legal jargon, we speak of a “induced error” to refer to the influence of external elements or actors in a legal processin such a way that they affect the result and violate the transparency and reliability of the verdict.

Continue with: Deductive and inductive arguments

References

  • “Inductive reasoning” on Wikipedia.
  • “Induction” in the Dictionary of the Language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
  • “Radication of the word Induction” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
  • “What is the induction process?” on Universia.net (Chile).