Which statement best defines abduction?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks to identify the definition of abduction. Since the provided answer option is the only one listed, we will analyze it and also contrast it with related inference types to clarify why this is the best definition.

Option provided: 'Inferring the most likely explanation based on the available evidence and additional likely assumptions.' This aligns with the core idea of abduction, which is forming the best explanation or hypothesis that accounts for the observed data, often leading to practical assumptions to bridge gaps in evidence. Abduction seeks plausibility and explanatory power, rather than proving something with certainty.

To contrast with other inference modes (even though explicit options are missing, this helps justify the definition):
- Deduction would involve deriving a conclusion that must be true given the premises, i.e., a logically necessary inference. Abduction does not guarantee truth; it favors plausibility.
- Induction involves generalizing from specific observations to broader generalizations, often risking overgeneralization. Abduction is more about constructing an explanatory hypothesis for the observed facts, not necessarily establishing a general rule.
- Abduction often relies on plausible assumptions to fill in missing pieces, which is why the phrase 'additional likely assumptions' is important in the definition. It acknowledges that the evidence may be incomplete and that reasonable suppositions are part of forming an explanatory explanation.

Given these distinctions, the single option provided captures the essence of abduction: selecting the most plausible explanatory hypothesis based on what is observed, plus reasonable assumptions to account for gaps in evidence. The wording emphasizes both the evidential basis and the practical provision of likely assumptions, which is characteristic of abductive reasoning.

If there were alternative options, we would evaluate them similarly: checking whether they describe necessity (deduction), generalization (induction), or other non-explanatory processes, to determine which best matches the abductive definition.

SCIE20001_2025_SM2 Activity 1.3 Ungraded practice quiz

Which statement best defines abduction?

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