Friday 24 July 2015

In Henry's "Speech in the Virginia Convention," what is an example of inductive argument?

Let's begin with a definition and example of induction from a peer-reviewed academic resource, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy:


An inductive argument is an argument that is intended by the arguer merely to establish or increase the probability of its conclusion. Here is a mildly strong inductive argument: Every time I've walked by that dog, he hasn't tried to bite me. So, the next time I walk by that dog he won't try to bite me.


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Let's begin with a definition and example of induction from a peer-reviewed academic resource, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy:



An inductive argument is an argument that is intended by the arguer merely to establish or increase the probability of its conclusion. Here is a mildly strong inductive argument: Every time I've walked by that dog, he hasn't tried to bite me. So, the next time I walk by that dog he won't try to bite me.



In Henry's "Speech to the Virginia Convention," he uses induction when he observes that with regard to the colonies' relationship with Britain, he can only predict what Britain will do in the future by remembering what it has done in the past. Here are Henry's own words:



"I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House?"



Henry reiterates the point that the colonies have tried negotiation for a decade but nothing substantive has resulted. Using induction once again, he describes how the colonies have sent petitions, "remonstrated" (protested reproachfully), and asked Britain for change most humbly. He reminds his audience that Britain's response was to ignore their petitions, to answer their protests with violence, and to "disregard" their humble requests.  


Just like the example above with the dog, Henry believes there is nothing to indicate that Britain will behave any differently henceforward.

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