General Form
Standard Form of
Inference to the Best Explanation
LQ: The question that motivates and guides the investigation
EE[n]: Evidence that the answers to the LQ needs to explain
RA[n]: Rival answers to the LQ
ER[n]: Optional Explanatory Resources that underwrite or undermine rivals
BE: The best explanation, often stated as A[n] + LQ
Lead Questions (LQ) are well-framed questions that guide inferences or investigations.
Evidence to Explain (EE) includes observations and data that answers to Lead Questions need to explain. Some evidence will be indispensable.
Rival Answers (RA) are possible answers to Lead Questions.
Explanatory Resources (ER) include facts and data that answers to Lead Questions do not need to explain, but that underwrite or undermine Rival Answers.