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Logic / Unit 7   Logic 355 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Abduction

Captions available

The idea

Inference to the best explanation: the hypothesis that best explains the evidence is thereby supported.

In practice

Hoofprints, whinnying, missing oats — the horse hypothesis wins without an eyewitness.

Where people slip

Abduction supports; it never certifies. "Best available explanation" is a ranking, and rankings can be upset by tomorrow's entry.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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