[PEN-L:11406] deduction vs. induction

[James Devine <jdevine@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Wojtek writes: >>In essence, formal deduction was considered a vastly
inferior to intuition form of knowledge [induction], until modern times,
when it became a tool of natural sciences perceived as successful.<<

Both attitudes are full of BS. Why can't induction and deduction be used
together, as complements? And why can't adduction play a role? (Adduction,
often spelled "abduction" (which sounds more fun), refers to figuring out
"answers to specific questions so that a satisfactory explanatory 'fit' is
obtained" using both induction and deduction, according to David Hackett
Fischer, quoted in Joshua Goldstein, LONG CYCLES: PROSPERITY AND WAR IN THE
MODERN AGE, p. 179.)


in pen-l solidarity,

Jim Devine   jdevine@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Econ. Dept., Loyola Marymount Univ.
7900 Loyola Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045-8410 USA
310/338-2948 (daytime, during workweek); FAX: 310/338-1950
"Segui il tuo corso, e lascia dir le genti." (Go your own way
and let people talk.) -- K. Marx, paraphrasing Dante A.