Inference rule
logic
A procedure which combines known facts to produce (“infer”) new facts. For example, given that
1. Socrates is a man and that 2. all men are motal,
we can infer that Socrates is mortal. This uses the rule known as “modus ponens” which can be written in Boolean algebra as
(A & A => B) => B
(if proposition A is true, and A implies B, then B is true).
Or given that,
1. Either Denis is programming or Denis is sad and 2. Denis is not sad,
we can infer that Denis is programming. This rule can be written
((A OR B) & not B) => A
(If either A is true or B is true (or both), and B is false, then A must be true).
Compare syllogism.
(1994-10-31)
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[in-fer-uh ns, -fruh ns] /ˈɪn fər əns, -frəns/ noun 1. the act or process of inferring. 2. something that is inferred: to make rash inferences. 3. Logic. /ˈɪnfərəns; -frəns/ noun 1. the act or process of inferring 2. an inferred conclusion, deduction, etc 3. any process of reasoning from premises to a conclusion 4. (logic) […]
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/ˈɪnfərənsɪŋ/ noun 1. (psycholinguistics) the practice of inferring the meaning of an unfamiliar word or expression from the meaning of familiar words occurring with it in a context together with one’s knowledge of or beliefs about the world
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[in-fuh-ren-shuh l] /ˌɪn fəˈrɛn ʃəl/ adjective 1. of, pertaining to, by, or dependent upon . /ˌɪnfəˈrɛnʃəl/ adjective 1. of, relating to, or derived from inference adj. 1650s, from Medieval Latin inferentia (see inference) + adj. suffix -al (1).
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[in-fuh-ren-shuh l] /ˌɪn fəˈrɛn ʃəl/ adjective 1. of, pertaining to, by, or dependent upon . /ˌɪnfəˈrɛnʃəl/ adjective 1. of, relating to, or derived from inference adj. 1650s, from Medieval Latin inferentia (see inference) + adj. suffix -al (1).
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[in-feer-ee-er] /ɪnˈfɪər i ər/ adjective 1. lower in station, rank, degree, or grade (often followed by to): a rank inferior to colonel. 2. lower in place or position; closer to the bottom or base: descending into the inferior regions of the earth. 3. of comparatively low grade; poor in quality; substandard: an inferior product. 4. […]