The following is an example of a(n) __________ argument.
Premise 1: The front door is ajar.
Premise 2: Some of your valuables are missing.
Premise 3: Your draws have been opened, and their contents strewn about.
Premise 4: One of your windows has been broken.
Conclusion: You have been burgled.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of an abductive argument, which is a form of reasoning that starts from an observation or set of observations and then seeks to find the simplest and most likely explanation. In this case, the observation of a series of signs (ajar door, missing valuables, disturbed drawers, broken window) leads to the conclusion that a burglary has occurred, which is the simplest and most likely explanation for these observations.

The Following Is an Example of A(n) __________ Argument