PHI 1710 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Statistical Syllogism, Microsoft Powerpoint, Deductive Reasoning
27 Jul 2020
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Inductive reasoning is a type of thinking that tries to create generalized theories from specific observations. Unlike deductive reasoning, it relies on hard data to draw conclusions that may be applicable to other similar situations. To carry out good inductive reasoning, it is necessary to carry out a large number of observations, find a pattern between them, and be able to generalize from the collected data. Later, that generalization can be used to create an explanation or a theory. Inductive reasoning is used both in science and in everyday life. Despite the fact that its conclusions are not as infallible as those obtained from other logical processes, such as deductive reasoning, it can serve as the basis for all kinds of theories, predictions, or explanations of behavior. When an inductive reasoning process is carried out, the conclusion reached is said to be more or less probable rather than infallible.
