Abductive Reasoning

This type of reasoning seeks to find an explanation. It is about thinking of a possible cause to an effect. It may or may not be correct.

A doctor examines a patient's symptoms and makes a diagnosis for what may be causing them to feel sick.

The table next to me at Panera has a bowl of soup on it, but no one is sitting there. Maybe they are in the restroom and will return soon.

When a jury hears evidence in a court case and must decide which side of the case provided the best explanation for what happened.

When a jury hears evidence in a court case and must decide which side of the case provided the best explanation for what happened.

The streets are wet this morning. It probably rained last night.

I hear barking in the backyard, and I don’t own a dog. A neighbor’s dog must have wandered into my yard.

The power is out, and my neighbors' houses are also dark. The most likely explanation is that there is a power outage in the area.

My phone was on low battery.

Now my phone won't turn on.

My phone probably died.

Uses facts we already know to reach a conclusion. (a+b=c)