inductive v. deductive
DESCRIPTION
A very detailed look at inductive vs. deductive reasoning.TRANSCRIPT
Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning Starts with a general rule (a
premise) which we know to be true. Then, from that rule, we make a true conclusion about something specific.
Deductive Reasoning The process of reasoning from known
facts to conclusions. When you reason deductively, you can say “therefore” with certainty. If your facts were firm to begin with, then your conclusions will also be firm.
Deductive Reasoning
Deductive ReasoningFrom vague
To specific
A deductive argument is one in which it is impossible for the premises to
be true but the conclusion false. It is supposed to be a definitive proof of the truth of
the claim (conclusion). Premise All men are mortal. Premise Socrates was a man. Conclusion Socrates was mortal.
If the premises are true (and they are), then it simply isn't possible for the conclusion to be false.
If you have a deductive argument and you accept the truth of the premises, then you must also accept the truth of the conclusion.
A deductive argument
True Premise
True Premise
True Conclusion
Deductive Reasoning Example:
Smith owns only blue pants and brown pants. Smith is wearing a pair of pants today. So, Smith is wearing either blue or brown pants today.
Inductive Reasoning The process of going from
observations to conclusions. This type of conclusion is
sometimes called an inference.
Inductive Reasoning Observing that something is true
many times, then concluding that it will be true in all instances
Using the data to make a prediction
Inductive Reasoning
Inductive ReasoningFrom specific
To vague
An inductive argument is one in which the premises are supposed to support the
conclusion. If the premises are true, it is unlikely that the conclusion
is false. The conclusion probably follows from the premises.
Premise Socrates was Greek. Premise Most Greeks eat fish. Conclusion Socrates ate fish.
Even if both premises are true, it is still possible for the conclusion to be false (maybe Socrates was allergic to fish).
Words which tend to mark an argument as inductive include probably, likely, possibly and reasonably.
A inductive argument
True Premise
True Premise
ProbablyTrue
Conclusion
Inductive Reasoning Example:
January has been cold here in Siberia. Today is January 14, so it is going to be another cold day in Siberia.
Which conclusion below shows evidence of deductive reasoning?
A. One time an employee used store computers to download a harmful virus, so employee computer use is a security threat.
B. Many customers complained about employees using computers rather than working, so computer misuse was harming the company’s sales.
C. An employee on a break distracted other employees by using a computer in a public area for private business, so that employee was given a warning.
D. Several employees left customer sales information visible on computer screens, so those employees were instructed to always close windows with personal information.
Let’s Practice –
The word wall is InductiveThe windows are Deductive
#1 Premise:
Everything made of copper conducts electricity.
Premise:
This wire is made of copper.
Conclusion: This wire will conduct electricity.
#2
Premise: Socrates was Greek.
Premise: Most Greeks eat fish.
Conclusion: Socrates probably ate fish.
#3 The local branch of Wachovia Bank was
robbed yesterday. Jenny needed money to pay off her gambling debts. She just bought a gun two days ago, and I saw her hanging around the local Wachovia Bank yesterday morning. Today the bookie’s goons stopped looking for Jenny. So Jenny robbed Wachovia Bank yesterday.
#4 Premise: All
turtles have shells.
Premise: The animal I have captured is a turtle.
Conclusion: I conclude that the animal in my bag has a shell.
#5Sherlock Holmes and Watson were on a camping trip. They had gone to bed and were lying there looking up at the sky. Holmes said, “Watson, look up. What do you see?”“I see thousand of stars.”“And what does that mean to you?”“I guess it means we will have another nice day tomorrow. What does it mean to you, Holmes?”“To me, it means someone has stolen our tent.”
#6 Premise: Tonya is
seen walking from her car to her home with a set of golf clubs.
Premise: Tonya’s husband Jeff loves golf and tomorrow is his birthday.
Conclusion: Tonya has bought the set of golf clubs for Jack.