Not all incomplete inductions are equally persuasive. A conclusion based on two observations may be weaker than one supported by many observations across different relevant conditions.
Numbers alone, however, do not suffice. Two hundred cases drawn from one narrow subgroup may leave important cases unexamined.
The strength of the evidence may increase without the conclusion becoming a logical necessity. Full entailment calls for complete relevant coverage and true premises.
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Induction: Complete and Incomplete Enumeration, Certainty and Probability
Not all incomplete inductions are equally persuasive. A conclusion based on two observations may be weaker than one supported by many observations across different relevant conditions.
Numbers alone, however, do not suffice. Two hundred cases drawn from one narrow subgroup may leave important cases unexamined.
The strength of the evidence may increase without the conclusion becoming a logical necessity. Full entailment calls for complete relevant coverage and true premises.