Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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INDUCTION

Logical derivation of universal laws or principles from individual cases. Reasoning from particulars to a general conclusion; arriving at the definition of an essence from knowledge of features common to the instances. An argument from experience, by which we draw inferences concerning the universal subject from particular manifestations of this subject or type. It is the opposite of deduction. (Etym. Latin in-, in + ducere, to lead: inductio, a leading in.)

See Also: DEDUCTION