Definition:Inductive Argument

Definition
An inductive argument is a form of argument in which, if all the premises are true, the 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 only conjectures in the field of mathematics.

Such arguments are not truth preserving and therefore they are not proofs.

Also known as
Some sources refer to induction of this type as philosophical induction.

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