Hi, were going to have a sight essay test soon and one of things we should know is deductive vs inductive reasoning...my question is... in an essay how do you know? i know what each one is.... but i cant see to apply it :( any examples?
Thanks a ton!
Inductive reasoning - think patterns..look at this site:
http://www.shldirect.com/inductive_reasoning.html
Good examples here:
http://changingminds.org/disciplines/argument/types_reasoning/induction.htm
Deductive reasoning - think syllogism
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/deductive-reasoning/examples.html
http://everything2.com/title/Inductive+reasoning+vs.+Deductive+reasoning
thnx a lot! :)
Hi! I'd be happy to explain deductive and inductive reasoning and provide you with some examples to help you understand how to apply them in your essay.
Deductive reasoning is a logical process where you start with a general statement (a premise) and then draw specific conclusions based on that premise. These conclusions are considered to be true if the premise is true. Here's an example:
Premise: All mammals have lungs.
Conclusion: Therefore, dogs have lungs.
In this example, the premise is the general statement that all mammals have lungs. The conclusion is then derived from this premise, stating that dogs are mammals and therefore have lungs. In your essay, you can use deductive reasoning to logically analyze information, definitions, or principles to reach specific conclusions.
Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, is a logical process where you draw general conclusions based on specific observations or evidence. In inductive reasoning, there may be some uncertainty in the conclusion. Here's an example:
Observation 1: All the dogs you've seen have fur.
Observation 2: Your neighbor's dog is a new dog you've never seen before.
Conclusion: Therefore, your neighbor's dog probably has fur.
In this example, based on specific observations of multiple dogs having fur, you form a general conclusion that the neighbor's dog probably has fur as well. In your essay, you can use inductive reasoning to support your arguments by providing specific evidence or examples that lead to a general conclusion.
To apply deductive and inductive reasoning in your essay, you can:
1. Identify the type of reasoning: Determine whether you're making specific conclusions based on a general premise (deductive) or if you're drawing general conclusions based on specific evidence (inductive).
2. Provide evidence or examples: Support your reasoning with specific evidence, examples, or observations that help you form logical conclusions. For deductive reasoning, ensure the evidence aligns with the general premise. For inductive reasoning, provide enough specific examples or evidence to make your general conclusion plausible.
3. Explain the logical process: Clearly explain your reasoning process and how you arrived at your conclusions. This helps the reader understand the validity of your argument.
By understanding the principles of deductive and inductive reasoning and using relevant examples, you'll be able to apply them effectively in your essay. Good luck with your test! Let me know if you have any more questions.