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An overview of deductive and inductive reasoning, explaining their differences, forms, and applications. Deductive reasoning involves moving from general premises to specific conclusions, while inductive reasoning proceeds from specific observations to general conclusions. syllogisms, validity, and the weaknesses of inductive conclusions.
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PPT by Denise Gill Created using: Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandell. Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide. New York: Bedford St. Martins, 2003.
Syllogism
Classic Syllogism Example
Validity
Valid?
Although both rectangles and squares are parallelograms, squares are not included in the major premise of the syllogism. Thus, the form of the syllogism is defective, and the argument is invalid.
Untrue Premises and Prejudice Prejudice is frequently directly tied to untrue premises. Major premise: All Asians are bad drivers. Minor premise: Sally is Asian. Conclusion: Sally is a bad driver.
Induction Explained Induction does not have a distinct form; it is more of a gathering of information. As a result, its conclusions are less definitive that those of valid and true syllogisms. Induction is necessary in argumentation, though, because very little may be absolutely narrowed to a syllogism.
Evidence: ⚫ There is a baseball on the living-room floor. ⚫ The baseball was not there this morning. ⚫ Some children were playing baseball this afternoon. ⚫ They were playing in the vacant lot across from the window. ⚫ They stopped playing a little while ago. ⚫ They aren’t in the vacant lot now. This example is from Kirszner (535).
Conclusion : One of the children hit or threw the ball through the window. Then they all ran way.
The more information you gather the better your chances of establishing your conclusion. One way to infer a conclusion is to think of as many conclusions as possible, then to choose the one you think is most believable and fits the evidence best. “Jumping to a conclusion” amounts to a premature inductive leap. In order to create an effective argument using inductive reasoning a speaker/writer should be sure that his or her personal bias has not influenced the conclusion. (Kirszner 537)
Major premise : Tyrannical leaders deserve no loyalty Jefferson states this as one of those Truths that is “self-evident.”
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“He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people
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