Signifies any process by which the mind proceeds from one or more propositions to other propositions

Signifies the operation by which the mind gets new knowledge by drawing out the implications of what it already knows

Inference can either be ANTECEDENT or CONSEQUENT

Antecedent Inference derived from “antecedo” which means that which goes before & is defined as that from which something is inferred

e.g. Smoke is pouring out of the windows; the house must be on fire.

Relationship b/w Antecedent & Consequent the truth of the antecedent involves the truth of the consequent (but not vice versa) the falsity of consequent involves the falsity of the antecedent

Consequent Inference derived from “consequor” which means that which follows after & is defined as that which is inferred from the antecedent

e.g. All men are mortal; but you are man; ergo you are mortal

Mediate Inference consist of three propositions there is a medium (middle term or minor term) there is a new proposition as well as new truth

e.g. All men are mortal; but you are man; ergo you are mortal

e.g. No Dog is a cat; ergo no cat is a dog

Immediate Inference consist of only two propositions there is no medium there is a new proposition but not a new truth

Immediate Inference is exemplified in eduction, the formulation of a new proposition by the interchange of the subject & predicate of an original proposition and/or by the use or removal of negatives. has four variations

1. Conversion can either be simple or partial conversion

2. Obversion3. Contraposition4. Inversion

Mediate Inference consist of the Deductive & inductive inference

Deduction the process by which the mind proceed from a more universal truth to a less universal truth

Induction the process by which the mind proceed from sufficiently enumerated instances to a universal truth

e.g. All men are mortal but Peter is a man; ergo Peter is mortal.

e.g. This ruminant (cow) is cloven-hoofed, this antelope, and goat are cloven-hoofed…ergo all ruminants are cloven-hoofed.”

Thanks a lot folks for listening!