Inferential Genealogy: Drawing Conclusions from Indirect Evidence

Inferential genealogy is the practice of reaching conclusions about an ancestor based on indirect or circumstantial evidence when direct proof does not exist, following a documented chain of logical reasoning that other researchers can evaluate and challenge. It is the approach used when birth certificates are lost, parishes were destroyed, or ancestors lived before records were kept.

AI supports inferential genealogy by helping researchers identify all available indirect evidence, model alternative hypotheses, and flag reasoning errors such as circular logic or unsupported assumptions. Platforms can also generate written proof summaries that explain the evidence chain in plain language, meeting standards required by organizations like the Board for Certification of Genealogists.