Inductive Inference, Coding, Perception, and Language

Abstract

The sensory system of animals, the words and language that connect the thoughts of one individual with those of another, and man-made communication systems, are all greatly influenced by the way information is coded. It is suggested that the role of inductive reasoning is to improve the efficiency of linguistic communication by changing the code, and its effectiveness in performing this function explains its survival value—the reason why this habit of mind is biologically successful and persists. The principles of coding are best understood in a limited, well-defined situation, but inductive reasoning should be viewed in a broad context, which must include the physiological and psychological mechanisms that form perceptions from physical stimuli and attach words to perceptions.