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Types of Reasoning - Notes

The document discusses three types of reasoning: deductive, inductive, and abductive. It provides details on each type, including their definitions, approaches, validity, usage, processes, arguments, and structures. Inductive reasoning uses specific examples to derive general conclusions, while deductive reasoning applies general rules to specific cases. Abductive reasoning makes guesses to explain observations with little prior knowledge.

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66 views

Types of Reasoning - Notes

The document discusses three types of reasoning: deductive, inductive, and abductive. It provides details on each type, including their definitions, approaches, validity, usage, processes, arguments, and structures. Inductive reasoning uses specific examples to derive general conclusions, while deductive reasoning applies general rules to specific cases. Abductive reasoning makes guesses to explain observations with little prior knowledge.

Uploaded by

Krishna Nimmakuri
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Types of Reasoning -

Notes

UGC NET Paper 1

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DEDUCTIVE, INDUCTIVE, AND ABDUCTIVE REASONING


Reasoning is the process of using existing knowledge to draw conclusions, make predictions,
or construct explanations. Three methods of reasoning are the deductive, inductive, and
abductive approaches.

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is the act of using specific scenarios and making generalized conclusions
from them. Also referred to as “cause-and-effect reasoning,” inductive reasoning can be
thought of as a “bottom up” approach. For example, you might observe that your older sister
is tidy, your friend’s older sister is tidy and your mom’s older sister is tidy. Inductive reasoning
would say that therefore, all older sisters are tidy.

The results of inductive reasoning are not always certain because it uses conclusions from
observations to make generalizations. Inductive reasoning is helpful for extrapolation,
predictions and part-to-whole arguments.
Inductive reasoning: conclusion merely likely
Inductive reasoning begins with observations that are specific and limited in scope, and
proceeds to a generalized conclusion that is likely, but not certain, in light of accumulated
evidence. You could say that inductive reasoning moves from the specific to the general. Much
scientific research is carried out by the inductive method: gathering evidence, seeking
patterns, and forming a hypothesis or theory to explain what is seen.
Conclusions reached by the inductive method are not logical necessities; no amount of
inductive evidence guarantees the conclusion. This is because there is no way to know that all
the possible evidence has been gathered, and that there exists no further bit of unobserved
evidence that might invalidate my hypothesis. Thus, while the newspapers might report the
conclusions of scientific research as absolutes, scientific literature itself uses more cautious
language, the language of inductively reached, probable conclusions
Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning is the act of making a generalized statement and backing it up with
specific scenarios or information. It can be thought of as a “top down” approach to drawing
conclusions. For example, consider the statement “all apples are fruits.” When you introduce
specific piece of information like “all fruits grow on trees”, you can then deduce that all apples
grow on trees. Another classic example of deductive reasoning is the following formula:
You can use deductive reasoning to apply a general law to a specific case or test an
induction. The results of deductive reasoning typically have a logical certainty.
If A = B and B = C, then A must equal C.
Example

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All violins make sounds.


Airplanes make sounds.
Therefore, airplanes are violin.
Deductive reasoning: conclusion guaranteed
Deductive reasoning starts with the assertion of a general rule and proceeds from there to a
guaranteed specific conclusion. Deductive reasoning moves from the general rule to the
specific application: In deductive reasoning, if the original assertions are true, then the
conclusion must also be true. For example, math is deductive:
If x = 4
And if y = 1
Then 2x + y = 9
In this example, it is a logical necessity that 2x + y equals 9; 2x + y must equal 9.
Abductive reasoning
Abductive reasoning is a type of reasoning that uses an observation or set of observations to
reach a logical conclusion. It's similar to inductive reasoning, however, abductive reasoning
permits making best guesses to arrive at the simplest conclusions. Abduction has applications
in troubleshooting and decision-making, especially when dealing with uncertainties. Abductive
reasoning is especially useful when explaining an observation or phenomenon that the
observer has very little or no existing knowledge about. The conclusion of abductive reasoning
may not always be certain and may require further verification.

Comparison Chart:

Basis for Deductive Reasoning Inductive Reasoning


comparison

Definition Deductive reasoning is the Inductive reasoning arrives at a


form of valid reasoning, to conclusion by the process of
deduce new information or generalization using specific facts
conclusion from known or data.
related facts and information.
Approach Deductive reasoning follows a Inductive reasoning follows a
top-down approach. bottom-up approach.

Starts from Deductive reasoning starts Inductive reasoning starts from


from Premises. the Conclusion.
Validity In deductive reasoning, the In inductive reasoning, the truth of
conclusion must be true if the premises does not guarantee the
premises are true. truth of conclusions.

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Usage Use of deductive reasoning is Use of inductive reasoning is fast


difficult, as we need facts and easy, as we need evidence
which must be true. instead of true facts. We often use
it in our daily life.
Process Theory→ hypothesis→ Observations-
patterns→confirmation. →patterns→hypothesis→Theory.

Argument In deductive reasoning, In inductive reasoning, arguments


arguments may be valid or may be weak or strong.
invalid.
Structure Deductive reasoning reaches Inductive reasoning reaches from
from general facts to specific specific facts to general facts.
facts.

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