An inductive essay is a study in which a theory is built on observation of practical reality. Thus, general conclusions are derived from particular cases. Since this includes the movement from individual observation to the establishment of general models and laws, this approach is called the movement from the particular to the general.
For example, from reports from factories belonging to a particular company, you learned that productivity falls in two hours after the start of the shift, and you conclude that the level of labor productivity varies depending on the length of time the work is done. Such an approach helps to develop an inductive argument essay.
Before answering a question of what is an inductive essay, it is necessary to understand the way of reasoning that is in its basis. Inductive reasoning is a form of thinking through which, on the basis of a recurring trait, certain phenomena are concluded about their belonging to all aspects of a given class; the conclusion is usually of a probabilistic nature.
Only in a complete induction, when a recurring sign can be revealed in each phenomenon of a given class, the conclusion that a feature belongs to a given class is necessary. For example:
The basis for the functioning of the inductive method of cognition is the experimental data. So, the basic ideas about modern capitalism are obtained as a result of scientific generalization of historical experience in the last 100-odd years.
However, inductive generalizations will be completely flawless only if all scientifically established facts have been thoroughly studied, by which these generalizations are made. That is called complete induction. Most often it is challenging and sometimes impossible. That is why students are asked to train their brains and improve the skills of analytical thinking in performing this type of assignment.
Therefore, the method of incomplete induction is more often used in the cognitive activity, including in the study of various phenomena and processes of social life. Answering a question of how to write an inductive essay, it should be said that it is the study of some part of the phenomena and the extension of the inference to all phenomena of a given class. Generalizations obtained by incomplete induction can in some instances be quite definite and reliable, in others, they are rather probabilistic.
Taking into account all the above mentioned, it is possible to state that an inductive essay definition – is a student's study, cognition, associated with the generalization of the results of observations and experiments. The primary function of induction in the process of cognition is obtaining general judgments, in which empirical and theoretical laws, hypotheses, generalizations can act. Induction reveals the "mechanism" of the emergence of general knowledge.
The peculiarity of induction is its probabilistic nature — with the truth of the initial assumptions, the conclusion is only probably true and, in the final result, it can turn out to be both true and false. Thus, induction does not guarantee the attainment of truth, but only "leads" to it and helps to seek the truth. That is the main task of writing this kind of essay.
Despite the seeming complexity of this task, the inductive essay format will be similar to any other essays that you already wrote during training. You are to maintain it by adding some inductive peculiarities. You should follow the standard inductive essay structure, consistently passing from the introduction and thesis to the main part and the conclusion.
Check the following list of inductive essay topics to ding the most suitable one and impress your professor which your creativity, and abilities.
Feel free to use our tips and ideas, compliment them with your own ones, and you will be sure to get “A” for your work!