Enumerative induction

In logic, an enumerative induction is an argument of the type simple inductive schema.

Induction by simple enumeration is no proof of causality. It only suggests a potential causal relation between two items. Francis Bacon wrote in The Advancement of Learning "The induction that proceeds by simple enumeration is childish."

Form

An example of an enumerative induction criticising the reportage on global warming in The Australian newspaper. The argument appeared on John Quiggin's blog

In the represented occurrence of this argument pattern, the author leaves "and so on" as an assumed co-premise, which is why it does not appear in the image.

See also

• Mill's methods