The Commens Dictionary

Quote from ‘Letter to J. H. Kehler’

Quote: 

I am unable yet quite to prove that the three kinds of reasoning I mean are the only kinds of sound reasoning; though I can show reason to think that it can be proved, and very strong probable reasons for thinking that there is no fourth kind. I call the three, Deduction, Induction, and Retroduction; though the last only is a word invented by me.

A scientific inquiry must usually, if not always, begin with retroduction. An Induction can hardly be sound or at least is to be suspected usually, unless it has been preceded by a Retroductive reasoning to the same general effect.

Date: 
1911
References: 
NEM 3:177-178
Citation: 
‘Retroduction’ (pub. 12.03.13-19:12). Quote in M. Bergman & S. Paavola (Eds.), The Commens Dictionary: Peirce's Terms in His Own Words. New Edition. Retrieved from http://www.commens.org/dictionary/entry/quote-letter-j-h-kehler-5.
Posted: 
Mar 12, 2013, 19:12 by Sami Paavola
Last revised: 
Jan 07, 2014, 00:58 by Commens Admin