Question

1. State difference between deductive vs. inductive reasoning.

2. Give an example of deductive and inductive reasoning

Answer 1

1. Deductive reasoning: Deductive reasoning is a basic form of valid reasoning. Deductive reasoning, or deduction, starts out with a general statement, or hypothesis, and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion.

Inductive reasoning: Inductive reasoning is the opposite of deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning makes broad generalizations from specific observations. Basically, there is data, then conclusions are drawn from the data.

2. Examples:

Deductive reasoning: For example, "All men are mortal. Harold is a man. Therefore, Harold is mortal."

Inductive reasoning: For example "Harold is a grandfather. Harold is bald. Therefore, all grandfathers are bald." The conclusion does not follow logically from the statements.