Inferences require appealing to logic.
If we want to know in depth the etymological origin of the term inference, we have to proceed to Latin. There we will find how it is the result of the sum of three clearly identifiable parts: the prefix in -, which can be translated as “towards”; the verb ferre , which can be established as a synonym for “carry”, and finally the suffix – ia , which is equivalent to “action or quality”.
From hypothesis to conclusion
Inference is the action and effect of inferring (deducing something, drawing a consequence from something else, leading to a result). The inference arises from a mental evaluation between different expressions that, when related as abstractions, allow a logical implication to be drawn.
By starting from hypotheses or arguments , it is possible to infer a conclusion (which may be true or false). For example: “I have not yet received official confirmation from the company, what I am telling you is just my inference,” “Every time the national team plays, Mariana misses work: my inference is that tomorrow we will be alone in the office” , “We cannot be guided by inferences, but have to wait for events to be confirmed before making a decision” .
Types of inference
It is important, in addition to everything stated above, to establish that there are various types of very significant inferences:
• Statistical inference. It is one that becomes a protagonist within the field of administration and management. In its case, it is based on two fundamental pillars to be able to develop: which would be contrasting various hypotheses and also estimation.
• Behavioral inference. As its name indicates, it is responsible for thoroughly analyzing the ways of behaving of human beings in general. To achieve this, factors such as the degree of intelligence or empathy are taken into account.
Starting from arguments or hypotheses, a conclusion can be inferred.
Other classifications
In addition to these two modalities, it must be emphasized that at a general level, inference is classified into five large groups:
• The trivalued, which is the one that offers three values as results.
• Logic, which is what only allows establishing a true or false result.
• Probabilistics, which determines that one truth has a greater probability of being true than others.
• The multivalued, which is identified by the fact that it offers a wide series of values as a result.
• The diffuse. We can determine this last type of inference that is responsible for analyzing all the results with great precision.
Inference and the syllogism
The syllogism is an essential form of inference. It is a form of deductive reasoning that is formed by two propositions (premises) and a conclusion. This conclusion is the inference that necessarily follows from the two premises.
The veracity of the conclusion will depend on the laws that regulate the relationship between the compared premises. The guarantee of truth of the new trial is logic , which must establish different classifications of the premises.
Analysis of the probabilities
Not all inferences offer true conclusions . It is possible to claim that all dogs are four-legged furry animals, but it cannot be inferred that all four-legged furry animals are dogs.
Inferences are generally generated from an analysis of characteristics and probabilities. If someone refers to a four-legged, furry animal that also wags its tail, I can infer that they are most likely referring to a dog.