retroduction

Noun

retroduction (countable and uncountable, plural retroductions)

1. Synonym of abduction.
   • Whereas retroduction involves one step, and deduction involves two, induction, as the third stage, involves three: classification, probationary argument, and appraisal of the probations.1995, Douglas R. Anderson, Strands of System: The Philosophy of Charles Peirce, page 161
   • Note that deduction and retroduction employ the same form of logical statement to determine either the post- or precondition, respectively.2008, Michael L. Morrison, William M. Block, M. Dale Strickland, Wildlife Study Design, page 11

   Synonyms:

   abduction

2. (broadly) A system of research or problem-solving based on abduction; A dialectic method of working from existing information to achieve a theory or from a desired outcome to achieve a design.
   • This is the big advantage of retroduction; it is difficult the first time it is attempted, but with a little experience, you can select the designs more and more quickly. Most good designers perform retroduction without realizing it.1987, James J. Kerley, An Application of Retroduction to Anlyzing and Testing the Backing Off of Nuts and Bolts During Dynamic Loading, page 6
   • Elsewhere (Chiasson, 2005), I demonstrate that abduction can be considered an aspect of retroduction rather than as a synonym for it.2006, Phyllis Chiasson, “The Semiotic Structure of Practical Reasoning Habits”, in Ricardo Gudwin, João Queiroz, editor, Semiotics and Intelligent Systems Development, page 74
3. (obsolete) A leading or bringing back.
   • On the subject of Planting, Mr. M. is of opinion that 'the offering premiums for the general increase of wood is going retrograde, or constributing towards a retroduction of uncultivated nature; instead of which, this country ought to be in a state of garden-like cultivation.1799 December, John Middleton, “A View of the Agriculture of Middlesex”, in The Monthly Review, Or, Literary Journal, page 404
   • Touching the free introduction and retroduction of incomplete manufactures to be finished, or advanced, and then returned, a trade which has been very profitable to Germany.1880, House documents - Volume 1; Volume 327, page 45