Definition:Inductive Argument

Definition
An inductive argument is a form of argument in which, if all the premises are true, the conclusion conclusion is probably true, but might not be.

Such lines of reasoning are ubiquitous in everyday life and in most human endeavors.

However, inductive arguments are are only conjecture in the field of mathematics; such arguments are not truth preserving and therefore they are not proofs.

Note on Terminology
Despite the name, the Principle of Mathematical Induction is a type of deductive argument.

Also see

 * Definition:Deductive Argument
 * Definition:Empirical Argument