Inductive method in natural science

The mastery of nature and its subordination to man, according to Francis Bacon (an English philosopher), could only be successful if the scientific methods of research were fundamentally changed . The philosopher believed that in antiquity and in the Middle Ages, science applied only a deductive method. With the help of deduction, the movement of thought proceeds from axioms (obvious positions) to conclusions of a particular nature. Bacon considered this method insufficiently effective and unsuitable for studying nature.

Any invention and every knowledge, according to the philosopher, must be based on experience. In other words, the movement must be from individual, particular conclusions to the study of general provisions. This method of study was called the "inductive method of cognition." Aristotle first described induction ("guidance"), but the ancient philosopher did not give this concept such universal significance.

The inductive method (the simplest case) is seen in a situation of complete induction. In this case, all objects of one class are enumerated and the property inherent in them is revealed. It should be noted, however, that in the scientific approach, complete induction does not play such an important role. Much more often, "incomplete guidance" is used. In this case, the inductive method is based on the observation of a finite number of facts, as a result of which (and with respect to the class of phenomena being studied) a generalized conclusion is drawn. A classic example is the conclusion that all swans are white. This conclusion is correct. But until the moment, until you get a black swan.

Thus, the incomplete induction of research is based on a conclusion by analogy, which, in turn, always has a probable character. Bacon also tried to create "true guidance." The English philosopher tried to give incomplete induction greater rigor, considering that it is necessary to search not only confirming facts, but also refuting the certain conclusion.

Thus, according to Bacon, in natural science it is necessary to use two means: an enumeration and an exception, giving the latter the main significance. When studying the phenomenon, it is necessary to collect all the cases in which it was observed and in which there was no. When you identify a feature that always accompanies a phenomenon and is always absent in the absence of a phenomenon, you can designate the nature of the phenomenon, its "form." Thus, the inductive method of Bacon allowed us to determine the "form" of heat, which is a movement in the body of the smallest particles.

It is necessary to note the great importance of the work of the English philosopher. The inductive method, along with the others, played an important role in the discovery of a number of laws of nature (thermal expansion of the body, atmospheric pressure, universal gravitation, and others).

Along with this, according to some authors, the English philosopher somewhat underestimated the role of the rational principle in the study, did not take into account mathematics in the study.

In scientific study, the inductive method can be realized in several ways.

So, research can go along the path of revealing a single similarity or difference. In the first case, the cause of the phenomenon will be one revealing common factor with all the others different. The method of one difference allows one to draw a conclusion on the basis of the circumstances in which all the factors of the occurrence and absence of the phenomenon are practically universal, the difference consists only in one of them, which is present in the first case (in the event of a phenomenon).

There is also a combined (connected) research method (combining the two above-described options).

Scientific induction can also be realized by the method of residues and accompanying changes.