Reasoning - Abductive, Deductive, Inductive

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What is Abductive Reasoning?

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A type of reasoning that seeks to find an explanation by thinking of a possible cause for an effect. It may or may not be correct.

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What is Deductive Reasoning?

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A type of reasoning that begins with a general rule or fact and creates specific conclusions based on that general fact. The specific conclusions are correct as long as the general idea is true.

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What is Inductive Reasoning?

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A type of reasoning that starts with smaller facts or examples that lead to larger, general conclusions. The general conclusion may or may not be true.

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Example of Abductive Reasoning:

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If you see wet streets, you might conclude it rained, but it could also be from a sprinkler.

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Example of Deductive Reasoning:

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All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

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Example of Inductive Reasoning:

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After observing that the sun has risen in the east every day, you conclude that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow.

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Key characteristic of Abductive Reasoning:

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It focuses on finding the most likely explanation for an observation.

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Key characteristic of Deductive Reasoning:

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It guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true.

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Key characteristic of Inductive Reasoning:

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It involves making generalizations based on specific observations.

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When is Abductive Reasoning used?

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When trying to explain an unexpected event or phenomenon.