Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Inductive Thinking

Mankind’s thinking derives itself in great part from the surrounding world.  From experiences we can infer what the world is like.  Gradually, as more and more experiences are acquired, many groups them into categories, general concepts, laws, etc.  We reach these general principles through inductive reasoning.

It is said that the rule of generalization reached by succession of observations is acquired via inductive reasoning.  Therefore, an inductive conclusion is based in the accumulations of cases that prove it.  We rely on repeated events as the test for future events.  It is very important to note two characteristics of inductive thinking:

·         Inductive reasoning is neither true nor false

It is simply more probable as we find more things to prove it.

·         Inductive reasoning is based on the verification of the acts

Deductive Thinking

During deductive reason we try to test laws and generalizations for personal interest.

As a result, deductive testing has the following characteristics:

·         Well formulated deductive reasoning is always valid since it is an exclusively logical argument

·         Deductive reasoning is not bound by evidence

·         When accepting or declining deductive reasoning, we only consider their logical aspect.  If it is logically correct, then the deductive argument is correct

Inductive and deductive reasoning, combined both types of argument can be given together, and it is important when each one has been used.