What is the process of taking a specific fact and generalizing it known as?

The process of taking a specific fact and generalizing it is known as induction. Induction involves reasoning from specific instances to formulate broader generalizations or theories. For instance, if you observe that the sun has risen in the east every morning you have witnessed, you might generalize that the sun always rises in the east. This type of reasoning is central to scientific inquiry, where specific observations lead to the development of scientific laws or principles.

Induction is particularly useful because it allows for hypotheses and theories to be developed based on observed data, which can later be tested and refined. It contrasts with deduction, which involves starting from a general principle and deriving specific conclusions from it. The other terms—abduction and inference—describe different types of reasoning processes. Abduction often refers to forming explanatory hypotheses, while inference typically involves drawing logical conclusions based on available evidence, which may or may not involve generalization.