Useful, but limited: Induction and analogy are useful, but they are limited. Istiqra' gives probability, not certainty — unless it is complete.
Complete versus incomplete induction: Istiqra' Taam (complete induction, examining every single case) produces certainty; Istiqra' Naqis (incomplete induction, examining some cases) produces only probability. "All observed crows are black" does not prove "all crows are black" — one white crow would break it.
Tamthil is even weaker: Tamthil is even weaker: it transfers a ruling from one case to another on a guessed 'Illa. It gives Zann (conjecture), not Yaqin (certainty).
Four argument types, side by side: The comparison table on the slide sets the four argument types side by side: Qiyas gives Yaqin; Istiqra' Taam gives Yaqin; Istiqra' Naqis gives Zann; Tamthil gives Zann. The summary (Slide 52) also presents the Yaqin–Zann spectrum and the Shia position on Qiyas in Fiqh.
Bring your Burhan: The Quran sets the standard: "Bring your Burhan" (2:111) — proof, not guesswork. That is why the course insists on Burhan for matters of belief, and treats induction and analogy as tools for discovery, not for final proof.
Example
White swans, black swans: Every swan you have ever seen is white. That does not prove all swans are white — black swans exist in Australia.
A guide for discovery, not proof: Induction is a guide for discovery; it is not a proof.
Key Terms
- Istiqra' Taam (استقراء تام) — complete induction
- Istiqra' Naqis (استقراء ناقص) — incomplete induction
- Yaqin (الیقین) — certainty
- Zann (الظن) — conjecture
Quran or Hadith
Quran 2:111, as shown: "Bring your Burhan." — to be checked.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A Yaqin–Zann spectrum bar: Burhan and complete induction at the "certain" end, incomplete induction and analogy at the " probable" end. To be drawn in Project Desk colours.
Note: Slides 51–52 were not read; based on filenames and the roadmap. Verify before publication.
- Induction and analogy are useful, but they are limited.
- Every swan you have ever seen is white. That does not prove all swans are white — black swans exist in Australia. Induction is a guide for discovery; it is not a proof.