Types of Reasoning

Front

What is Inductive Reasoning?

Back

Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations or experiences. For example, if you see that the sun has risen every day of your life, you might conclude that the sun will rise again tomorrow.

Front

What is Deductive Reasoning?

Back

Deductive reasoning starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. For example, if all humans are mortal and Socrates is a human, then Socrates is mortal.

Front

What is Abductive Reasoning?

Back

Abductive reasoning involves forming a conclusion based on the best available evidence. It often starts with an incomplete set of observations and seeks the simplest and most likely explanation. For example, if you see that the ground is wet, you might conclude that it rained.

Front

Example of Inductive Reasoning:

Back

Every time I eat peanuts, I feel sick. Therefore, I conclude that I am allergic to peanuts.

Front

Example of Deductive Reasoning:

Back

If it is raining, then the ground is wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet.

Front

Example of Abductive Reasoning:

Back

The lights are off and the door is locked. Therefore, no one is home.

Front

What is the main difference between Inductive and Deductive Reasoning?

Back

Inductive reasoning makes broad generalizations from specific observations, while deductive reasoning starts with a general statement and deduces specific conclusions.

Front

What is a premise in reasoning?

Back

A premise is a statement or proposition that provides the foundation for an argument or reasoning process.

Front

What does it mean to generalize in reasoning?

Back

To generalize means to form a broad conclusion based on specific instances or observations.

Front

What is a conclusion in reasoning?

Back

A conclusion is the final statement or claim that follows logically from the premises in an argument.