Try as I might, I just don't understand the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning. I have tried reading about it and they keep talking about general and specific things but I just don't get it.
Is there an easy, lay way to explain it so I can understand it please?
Try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBMksZGU6eU
Certainly! Let's break it down in simple terms. Inductive and deductive reasoning are two different ways we use our logic to draw conclusions.
Inductive reasoning is when we use specific observations or examples to make a generalization or prediction. It involves going from specific instances to a broader generalization. For example, imagine you observe that every cat you've ever seen has fur. Based on this observation, you might induce that all cats have fur. Inductive reasoning helps us make educated guesses or hypotheses based on past experiences and observations.
On the other hand, deductive reasoning is when we start with a general statement or rule and use it to reach a specific conclusion. It involves going from a broad principle to a specific instance. Think of it as top-down reasoning. For instance, let's say you know that all mammals have hair, and you also know that a dog is a mammal. From these premises, you can deductively conclude that the dog must have hair.
So, in a nutshell: inductive reasoning goes from specific examples to a general conclusion, whereas deductive reasoning starts with a general rule and applies it to a specific situation.
If you're still finding it challenging to grasp, I recommend trying some real-life examples or thought experiments to clarify the distinction.