An argument that establishes its truth by being the best explanation. It reasons backwards, stating that these facts are best explained by the hypothesis
Domains that use abductive arguments include:
- Natural Sciences
Example
P1: Cheese in the cupboard is disappearing
P2: There are scratching sounds in cupboard late at night (premise)
P3: There is a mouse-sized hole in the back of the cupboard (premise)
-- MP (P1,P2,P3) --
C: Therefore, there is a mouse in the cupboard (conclusion)Best Argument Criteria
The best argument explains the most with the least assumption.
- Simplicity (Occams Razor)
- Strength (Better explanations explain more)