A Class Room Logic: Deductive and Inductive, with Special Application to the Science and Art of TeachingMcNair, George Hastings
Philosophy
A Class Room Logic: Deductive and Inductive, with Special Application to the Science and Art of Teaching
McNair, George Hastings
Logic
First. _The points of resemblance must be representative and not
exceptional._ For example: The argument that Mars is inhabited because
it has two moons is of little worth, since we have no proof that
moonshine is essential to life; this point of resemblance is not
representative. On the other hand, if the basis of argument is the
fact that Mars has an atmosphere, the conclusion carries some weight;
as air seems to be essential to life.
Second. _The points of resemblance must outweigh the points of
difference._ That is, the ratio of probability must always be in
favor of the resembling instances. Since it is not a matter of numbers
but of weight, a numerical proportion like this would be misleading:
Resemblances: Differences = 10:6. It is obvious that the six
differences might more than outweigh the ten resemblances. The safer
way, if it were possible, would be to attach a _value_ to each point of
resemblance or difference, and then express the proportion in terms of
the sums of these values.
Third. _There must be no difference which is absolutely incompatible
with the affirmation which we wish to prove._ For example, the fact
that the moon has no atmosphere renders nugatory any attempt to prove
the habitability of the moon.
=13. INDUCTION BY ANALYSIS.=
This, the third form of inductive research, is by far the most
important. Simple enumeration, because it depends upon the number of
observed instances, consumes much time; while we have already noted how
easy it is for analogy to lead to error. At the best, the conclusion
of these methods must be subjected to analytic investigation, if we are
seeking universal validity. Induction by analysis is superior to the
other forms because it secures a _higher degree of probability_ and is
a _positive time saver_.
Defined. We have learned that analysis is the process of separating
a whole into its related parts. We thus define induction by analysis
as _the process of separating a whole into its parts with a view of
deriving a generalization relative to the nature and causal connection
of these parts_.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
(1) Concerning the generalization that “all birds have wings,” it
becomes possible to observe in detail the nature of the wings and
advance the hypothesis that these wings are designed for aërial
navigation. This hypothesis may then be strengthened by observing that
the entire structure of the bird is adapted to flying.
(2) If it were possible to analyze the atmosphere, water, and soil of
Mars, and should such analysis reveal a composition similar to that of
the earth, it would illustrate well not only the _method_ of analysis
but also its superiority over the other methods of investigation.
(3) The physician, in diagnosing a “case,” observes that the symptoms
resemble those of typhoid; but to be positive of the truth of his
diagnosis, he takes a blood test. Noting the resemblances is induction
by analogy; but the blood test involves induction by analysis.
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