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Identifying and Evaluating Inferences and Assumptions

The document discusses inductive and deductive reasoning, emphasizing the role of inferences and assumptions in the thinking process. It explains how assumptions are beliefs that influence conclusions, while inferences are educated guesses based on available information. The text also highlights the importance of critical reading and the VALID approach to avoid false inferences.

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7 views

Identifying and Evaluating Inferences and Assumptions

The document discusses inductive and deductive reasoning, emphasizing the role of inferences and assumptions in the thinking process. It explains how assumptions are beliefs that influence conclusions, while inferences are educated guesses based on available information. The text also highlights the importance of critical reading and the VALID approach to avoid false inferences.

Uploaded by

renayclement004
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Identifying Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

&
Evaluating Inferences and Assumptions

ENGL 213: English 2


Inductive and Deductive
Reasoning
◦ Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

◦ Riddles
◦ Riddles
Inferences and
Inferences Assumptions are
elements of reasoning.
and
Assumption We make assumptions
s and inferences every
day. It’s part of the
thinking process.
Something that we take for
granted or presuppose.

Assumption Something we previously


s learned and do not question.

Part of our system of beliefs,


and we use our beliefs to
interpret the world around
us.
◦ Based upon past experiences, or the
experiences of others.

Assumption ◦ Example:

s ◦ Maggie is a musician, so she won’t


understand the business end of the
partnership.
◦ What assumption does the thinker
make?
◦ Conclusions we reach about something
we don’t know based on something we
do know. It’s an educated guess.

◦ A step of the mind; an intellectual act.

Inferences ◦ Something is true in light of something


else being true or seeming to be true.

◦ Can be accurate or inaccurate, logical


or illogical, justified or unjustified.
What’s the difference?

Your beliefs
Inferences are
(assumptions) cause
conclusions that we
Assumptions are you to come to
draw based on
general perceptions conclusions
information that we
that underlie our (inferences). Your
are given or
thinking. inferences then
observations that we
cause you to act
make.
accordingly.
Inferences and Assumptions
Person 1 Person 2

◦ Situation: A man is lying in the ◦ Situation: A man is lying in the


gutter. gutter.
◦ Inference: That man is a bum. ◦ Inference: That man is in need
◦ Assumption: Only bums lie in of help.
gutters. ◦ Assumption: Anyone lying in
the gutter is in need of help.
◦ A little knowledge can be a dangerous
thing.
◦ What is one assumption that the
thinker makes here?
Inferences ◦ Suggest a possible logical inference

and that can be made.

Assumption ◦ The lady next door is single. She would


probably be glad to have one of our
s kittens.
◦ What is one assumption that the
thinker makes here?
◦ Suggest a possible logical inference
that can be made.
Some more about Inferences
◦When it comes to reading critically, an inference or conclusion is an
idea that is suggested by the facts or details in a passage.

◦A valid inference is a logical conclusion based on evidence.


◦An invalid conclusion is a false inference that is not based on the
details, or facts in the text or on reasonable thinking.

◦This happens most when we ignore the facts and rely too much on
personal opinion and bias.

◦To avoid making false inferences or invalid conclusions, use the VALID
thinking process.
Verify and value the facts

Assess prior knowledge

Inferences:
The VALID Learn from the text

Approach
Investigate for bias

Detect contradictions
The eminent Toni Morrison, awarded both the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize
in literature, has written widely acclaimed novels, plays, essays and reference
works. The best synonym of the word eminent is…

A. Mysterious
B. Celebrated
C. Unknown
The eminent Toni Morrison, awarded both the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in
literature, has written widely acclaimed novels, plays, essays and reference works. The
author’s purpose is …

A. To inform the reader about the author,


Toni Morrison
B. To persuade the reader to read fiction by
Toni Morrison
C. To entertain the reader with vivid details
about Toni Morrison
The eminent Toni Morrison, awarded both the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize
in literature, has written widely acclaimed novels, plays, essays and reference
works. Which of the following is a valid inference?

A. Toni Morrison is African American


B. Toni Morrison is wealthy
C. Toni Morrison is known worldwide

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