Logic and Argumentation: Deductive vs Inductive Reasoning

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of deductive reasoning?

To make inferences from causal relationships

To evaluate a proposed conclusion from evidence

To reach a logically certain conclusion from general statements (correct)

To make general statements from specific applications

What is a fundamental component of a logical argument in deductive reasoning?

Syllogism

Premises (correct)

Propositions

Causal relationships

What is the term for a logical argument consisting of premises and a conclusion?

Syllogism (correct)

Causal inference

Deductive argument

Inductive argument

What type of reasoning involves making general statements from specific instances?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in reasoning, according to Girotto (2004)?

Understanding the language of problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning involves making general statements from specific instances, while inductive reasoning involves making specific conclusions from general statements Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of propositions in deductive reasoning?

To connect various propositions to draw conclusions Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between language understanding and reasoning?

Some of the mental processes used in language understanding are also used in reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning reaches a logically certain conclusion, whereas inductive reasoning reaches a probable conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of studying causal inferences?

How people make judgments about whether something causes something else. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a categorical inference?

Inferring that a particular object is a member of a category. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the philosopher who observed that we are most likely to infer causality when we observe covariation over time?

David Hume Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between bottom-up and top-down strategies?

Bottom-up strategies are based on observing various instances, while top-down strategies are based on prior knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of reasoning from specific facts or observations to reach a likely conclusion?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a syllogism?

All people die eventually. I am a person. Therefore, I will die eventually. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of inductive reasoning beyond causal and categorical inferences?

Reasoning by analogy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the reasoner in an analogy problem?

To induce one or more relations between the first pair of items Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using heuristics in decision-making?

It reduces the time and effort required for decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What do models of decision-making help us understand?

The factors that influence human decision-making and people's decision-making strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the first and second parts of an analogy?

The first part involves finding relations, and the second part involves applying them Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for mental shortcuts used in decision-making?

Heuristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of decision-making models?

To offer a more realistic view of how people make choices in everyday life Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a decision that people make in their everyday lives?

Whether to go to college or not Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for frameworks or theories that explain how individuals make decisions?

Models of decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inductive Reasoning

The process of reasoning from specific facts or observations to reach a likely conclusion that may explain the facts.
Involves making a probable conclusion based on the facts, but never reaching a logically certain conclusion.
Used to predict future specific instances.

Causal Inferences

The study of how people make judgments about whether something causes something else.
Philosopher David Hume observed that we infer causality when we observe covariation over time.
We tend to believe that the first event causes the second if we see them paired enough.

Categorical Inferences

People draw inferences using both bottom-up and top-down strategies.
Bottom-up strategies involve observing instances and considering the degree of variability across instances.
Top-down strategies involve using information based on what we already know or have inferred previously.

Reasoning by Analogy

Involves applying inductive reasoning to a broader range of situations.
Involves observing the first pair of items and inducing one or more relations, then applying the relation in the second part of the analogy.

Reasoning

The process of drawing conclusions from principles and from evidence.
Involves moving from what is already known to infer a new conclusion or to evaluate a proposed conclusion.
Divided into two types: deductive and inductive reasoning.

Deductive Reasoning

The process of reasoning from one or more general statements to reach a logically certain conclusion.
Involves reasoning from general statements to a specific application of the general statement.
Based on logical propositions and uses the syllogism, which is a logical argument consisting of premises and a conclusion.

Decision-Making

Involves making judgments and decisions in everyday life.
People often rely on heuristics or mental shortcuts when making decisions rather than evaluating every possible option and outcome.
Research has led to more nuanced decision-making models like prospect theory and dual-process theory.

Models of Decision Making

Frameworks or theories that explain how individuals make decisions.
Help us understand the factors influencing human decision-making and provide insights into people's decision-making strategies.

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Description

Understand the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning through a simple example. Learn how inductive reasoning is used to make predictions from specific observations.