Reasoning - The three modes of inference

Fascinating is the knowledge that we learn so much every decade and re-evaluate different positions.

Logic will always be exactly that, logic.  How we reach logical conclusions depends very much on our ability to reason using the skill set we have at our disposal. Those versed well in the application of logic, critical thinking and deductive reasoning have a better likelihood of formulating a logical outcome than those absent in said skills.

A long time ago, a man named Charles. S. Peirce introduced the three modes of inference, which were in his view the cornerstones of applicable reasoning.

The first is deduction, the drawing of a conclusion by reasoning; the act of deducing.

The second is induction, which is the means to apply further knowledge to extract the most correct result, more of a supplementary and complementary inference than deduction.

The third is abduction, the process of reasoning to the best explanations maybe correct most of the time, but maybe subject to a fallacy, due to lack of input factors.


Using these three modes of inference, a conclusion can be reached that is more logical in its entirety.

No matter what, still a reasonable hypothesis and groundbreaking at the time


Brilliant stuff.