-- 05-- Inferences - Assumptions - Time

-- 05 -- Inference

Web Links

TFY Chapter 4

PCT Ch. 9: Inference to the Best Explanation

http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/distinguishing-between-inferences-and-https://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/HOWTOWRITEALITERARYANALYSISESSAY_10.15.07_001.pdf/484

Johnny Depp


Inference Riddles






INFERENCES DEFINED

Glossary Chapter 4 Description versus Interpretation Pure description provides factual details that convey an accurate objective depiction of a subject. Interpretation makes inferences and judgments about the subject. Evidence Evidence is support, including physical objects, offered as proof that something is true or that it has or had existence. Generalization A generalization is a conclusions derived from the study of a number of cases that summarizes something characteristic about these cases. Infer To use imagination and reasoning to fill in missing facts. To connect the dots. Justify To justify a claim means to defend and support a claim. Obvious The obvious is something that is unconcealed and easy to see. Yet we may neglect to pay close attention to the obvious because it is so familiar.

Here are some more definitions of inferences.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/inferences

1. Inference: An inference is a step of the mind, an intellectual act by which one concludes that something is true in light of something else’s being true, or seeming to be true. If you come at me with a knife in your hand, I probably would infer that you mean to do me harm. Inferences can be accurate or inaccurate, logical or illogical, justified or unjustified.
2. Assumption: An assumption is something we take for granted or presuppose. Usually it is something we previously learned and do not question. It is part of our system of beliefs. We assume our beliefs to be true and use them to interpret the world about us. If we believe that it is dangerous to walk late at night in big cities and we are staying in Chicago, we will infer that it is dangerous to go for a walk late at night. We take for granted our belief that it is dangerous to walk late at night in big cities. If our belief is a sound one, our assumption is sound. If our belief is not sound, our assumption is not sound. Beliefs, and hence assumptions, can be unjustified or justified, depending upon whether we do or do not have good reasons for them. Consider this example: “I heard a scratch at the door. I got up to let the cat in.” My inference was based on the assumption (my prior belief) that only the cat makes that noise, and that he makes it only when he wants to be let in.

      (from criticalthinking.org)

video intro -- 

Inference and Interpretation

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Learn more about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his works.

http://www.sherlockian.net/

UNDERSTANDING INFERENCES

Content Inference Links:

• Inference and observation
• Inference From the Photo Link
• Inference Making - Video
• Inference Making Process
• Inference Practice Questions 1