WORKING WITH THE ARGUMENTS

WORKING WITH ARGUMENTS

Inductive Reasoning and Deductive Reasoning

Inductive and deductive reasoning are two methods of logic used to arrive at a conclusion based on information assumed to be true. Both are used in research to establish hypotheses.

Inductive Reasoning

specific  à General (Focus on detail)

An inductive argument is one in which the premises are supposed to support the conclusion in such a way that if the premises are true, it is improbable that the conclusion would be false. Thus, the conclusion follows probably from the premises and inferences.

Example:
Socrates was Greek. (Premise)
Most Greeks eat fish. (Premise)
Socrates ate fish. (Conclusion)

Deductive Reasoning
General à Specific (overview of things)

A deductive argument is one in which it is impossible for the premises to be true but the conclusion false. Thus, the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises and inferences. In this way, it is supposed to be a definitive proof of the truth of the claim (conclusion).

Example:
All men are mortal. (Premise)
Socrates was a man. (Premise)
Socrates was mortal. (Conclusion)