ABDUCTIVE REASONING: A CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE CREATION IN EDUCATION

Abstract Based on an epistemological discussion, this paper aims to show the contribution of abduction as a scientific procedure in the educational field. To that end, I explain how scientific research approaches and processes are founded on the three types of logical inference: deduction, induction and abduction, all of which underpin knowledge building and the role of both science and researchers. Firstly, I describe the specific features of abduction according to Peirce’s philosophical system. Then, I illustrate its implementation in a study on teaching. Finally, I underscore how abduction could contribute to build a broader scientific project in the intercept between basic and praxeological research.