Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on differentiating between inductive and deductive reasoning, exploring their definitions and applications through examples. Participants examine how these reasoning types function in arguments and seek clarification on their distinctions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about applying the definitions of inductive and deductive reasoning to actual arguments, providing an example they believe is inductive.
  • Another participant confirms that the provided example is indeed inductive reasoning, noting that it cannot be deduced from the premises.
  • A different participant challenges the simplistic definitions of inductive and deductive reasoning, suggesting that inductive arguments do not guarantee the truth of their conclusions, while deductive arguments do if the premises are true.
  • This participant provides examples of both inductive and deductive reasoning, illustrating their points with specific scenarios.
  • Some participants express appreciation for the clarification and examples provided, indicating that they found the discussion helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the classification of the example as inductive reasoning. However, there is disagreement regarding the definitions of inductive and deductive reasoning, with differing views on how to characterize their relationships to premises and conclusions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the definitions of inductive and deductive reasoning, as participants express varying interpretations and examples that may not align with traditional definitions.

toboldlygo
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So, I'm having some trouble with differentiating between inductive and deductive reasoning. I understand the basic principle—inductive is going from specific to general, and deductive is going from general to specific—but I don't know if I'm right when I apply my understanding to actual arguments. For example, I think this statement is inductive reasoning: "The Women's Liberation Movement has made great strides in recent years, and many women have been elected to political offices. Judging by these accomplishments it is likely that the next American President will be a woman." Would that be a correct? Thanks in advance for any help!
 
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Yes it's inductive. It is not deductive because the conclusion cannot be deduced from the given premises.
 
It's not good to define inductive reasoning as that from specific to general and deductive as general to specific. Inductive arguments are those whose premises do not guarantee the truth of their conclusions, while a deductive argument, if it has true premises, must have a true conclusion. Here is an example of an inductive argument that reasons from general to specific:

Most of the people I've met don't like tuna
I've just met a new person
----------
This new person doesn't like tuna

Here is an example of a deductive argument that reasons from specific to general:

My father loves pizza
My mother loves pizza
I love pizza
My brother loves pizza
My family consists of my mother, father, brother, and myself
----------
All members of my family love pizza
 
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Likes   Reactions: Chenkel, aikismos and toboldlygo
@Geofleur: thank you for those examples and the explanation. That really helped!

@andrewkirk: thanks for confirming that!
 

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