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How did induction and deduction contribute to Enlightenment science?

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A vintage encyclopedia page shows small type and scientific illustrations. The question What was Enlightenment? is written in old-fashioned blue lettering. — Enlightenment The search for knowledge never ends—but it started somewhere.

During the Enlightenment, the integration of induction and deduction was fundamental to the development of modern scientific method. These two approaches provided the framework for thinkers to move beyond traditional authority and systematically investigate the natural world.12

Induction: Championed by Francis Bacon, induction emphasized the systematic accumulation of empirical observations to form generalizations. By using "tables of presence, absence, and degree," Bacon sought to eliminate false assumptions and establish a reliable, evidence-based understanding of nature. This empirical focus became a cornerstone of Enlightenment thought, influencing philosophers like John Locke, who argued that knowledge is derived from sensation and reflection.34
Deduction: Thinkers like René Descartes emphasized rationalist deduction, where knowledge is built upon self-evident principles and rigorous logical reasoning. This approach was particularly powerful in mathematics and physics, where it allowed for the creation of comprehensive systems.541

The Enlightenment’s scientific success, most notably the work of Sir Isaac Newton, relied on synthesizing these methods: applying mathematical deduction to the empirical data gathered through observation. This combination fostered the conviction that human reason could successfully "conquer" and understand the natural world.12