In argumentation, inference is a reasoning process expressed by an argument. In mathematics, inference is the reasoning process expressed by computation, calculation, and measurement. In general, inference is a rational movement from one concept to another. It is most easily understood by reference to a hypothetical, or "if-then" proposition. For example, the proposition, "If it is raining, then it is wet," illustrates an inference made from the concept of rain to the concept of wetness. We infer that it is wet from the assertion that it is raining. Another way of expressing inferential reasoning is by the logical rule of inference called implication. Without the ability to make inferences, rational processes would be disconnected.

The process of inference is the derivation of a proposition (the conclusion) from one or more propositions (the premises) in an argument. Depending upon the validity of the inference, there is good reason to...