Induction method in Fârâbî

Induction, as one of the methods of reasoning, was employed as a technique in the art of logic from antiquity through the medieval period, yet it did not receive the same recognition as deduction. Induction began to be utilized as a primary method only after the medieval period, with the emergence of natural sciences. The objective of this thesis is to examine how induction—which has been subject to various epistemological evaluations throughout the history of logic and has become an indispensable method of scientific studies in the modern period—underwent transformation and faced criticism from Socrates to al-Fārābī, and to reveal how it was interpreted and evaluated within Fārābī's logic. The thesis employs a singular scanning method and utilizes comparative textual analyses. The thesis consists of an introduction, two chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter presents a chronological examination of the lexical meanings and definitions of induction, as well as its treatment in ancient philosophy. In the first chapter of the thesis, the initial uses of induction prior to al-Fārābī, the criticisms directed toward it, and the modifications made are attempted to be identified. The second chapter analyzes the definition, structure, elements, function, and place in education and instruction of induction within the context of Fārābī's logic, providing necessary comparisons with Aristotle where relevant, and attempting to identify similarities and differences. In conclusion, it can be argued that in response to criticisms directed toward induction, al-Fārābī established an original tradition of induction that in some aspects parallels the interpretations of Alexander of Aphrodisias, while in other aspects diverges from Aristotle, thereby influencing the Islamic logical tradition with original interpretations that position him outside the framework established by Aristotle.