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Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking1st EditionCarol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses 1,697 solutions Some would argue deductive reasoning is an important life skill. It allows you to take information from two or more statements and draw a logically sound conclusion. Deductive reasoning moves from generalities to specific conclusions. Perhaps the biggest stipulation is that the statements upon which the conclusion is drawn need to be true. If they're accurate, then the conclusion stands to be sound and accurate. Let's explore some deductive reasoning examples. See if you would've drawn the same conclusions yourself. What Is Deductive Reasoning?Deductive reasoning is a type of deduction used in science and in life. It is when you take two true statements, or premises, to form a conclusion. For example, A is equal to B. B is also equal to C. Given those two statements, you can conclude A is equal to C using deductive reasoning. Now, let’s look at a real-life example.
Using deductive reasoning, you can conclude that all dolphins have kidneys. Remember, for this to work, both statements must be true. Okay, now that you have a good grasp on it, try a few examples. Examples of Deductive ReasoningEveryday life often tests our powers of deductive reasoning. Did you ever wonder when you'd need what you learned in algebra class? Well, if nothing else, those lessons were meant to stretch our powers of deductive reasoning. Remember, if a = b and b = c, then a = c. Let's flesh that out with added examples:
Invalid Deductive ReasoningWhen it comes to deductive reasoning, you can overgeneralize. In these cases, even with two solid and true premises, deductive reasoning goes wrong. Here are a few examples of just that:
In each of these examples, the premises may very well be true, but the conclusions make invalid assumptions. In these examples, a + b does not necessarily equal c. Rather, "c" is an overgeneralization. Let's take the Tom Cruise example. Just because Tom Cruise is handsome, does that mean he must be an actor? Who's to say all electricians or writers aren't pretty, too? Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive ReasoningInductive reasoning is akin to deductive reasoning. The main difference is that, with inductive reasoning, the premises provide some evidence for the validity of the conclusion, but not all. With deductive reasoning, the conclusion is necessarily true if the premises are true. With inductive reasoning, the conclusion might be true, and it has some support, but it may nonetheless be false. However, your educated guess can become a hypothesis you could consider fleshing out through research and an abundance of outside sources. Examples of Inductive ReasoningLet's take a look at a few examples of inductive reasoning. After we examine the inductive reasoning, we'll flip it and see what it looks like in the form of deductive reasoning.
Notice how each example of deductive reasoning is more sound (assuming the first two premises are true)? In each instance, the inductive reasoning may be true. But, they're lacking enough evidence to be universally true. Further samplings would be required. Other Types of ReasoningDeductive and inductive reasoning aren’t the only type of reasoning. You might also come across abductive reasoning, backward induction, and critical thinking. Let’s look at what these types of reasoning are:
Don't Leave Room for AssumptionsIf you proceed with facts and evidence, your deductive or inductive reasoning can quickly turn into an assumption. And that's what we typically try to avoid in life. A hypothesis, however, is a nice place to start. This is an idea that can be molded into factuality and follow the lines of deductive reasoning. That might be a road worth considering if you're ever tasked with writing an argumentative essay. Of course, the goal is not to get into an argument but, rather, take a position and present evidence in support of your claim. For more, enjoy these argumentative essay examples. What is an example of deductive and inductive arguments?Inductive Reasoning: Most of our snowstorms come from the north. It's starting to snow. This snowstorm must be coming from the north. Deductive Reasoning: All of our snowstorms come from the north.
Which is an example of deductive reasoning?With this type of reasoning, if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true. Logically Sound Deductive Reasoning Examples: All dogs have ears; golden retrievers are dogs, therefore they have ears. All racing cars must go over 80MPH; the Dodge Charger is a racing car, therefore it can go over 80MPH.
What is an example of an inductive reasoning?Inductive reasoning examples
Data: I see fireflies in my backyard every summer. Hypothesis: This summer, I will probably see fireflies in my backyard. Data: Every dog I meet is friendly. Hypothesis: Most dogs are usually friendly.
What is inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning?Inductive reasoning involves starting from specific premises and forming a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning involves using general premises to form a specific conclusion. Conclusions reached via deductive reasoning cannot be incorrect if the premises are true.
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