Distinguishing Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Discussion
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
- Textbook: Chapter 8, 9, 17 (Introduction)
- Lesson
- Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Click on the following tabs to review the concepts that will be addressed in this activity:
A valid structure is the way in which an argument is put together that assures it will pass the test of logical strength.
In deductive arguments, the speaker asserts that her premises are true and, therefore, her conclusion must be accepted. Remember that in a deductive argument, logical strength does not depend on the literal truth of the premises. When we test for logical strength, we assume the premises are true. Once we determine that the argument is logically valid, we can then look at the actual – not presumed – truth of the premises.
In inductive arguments, the speaker presents evidence that she claims support the probable truth of her conclusion – that her conclusion is the most likely true – and so you should accept it.
The Basic Structure of Deductive and Inductive Arguments
Click on the following links to view argument examples:
“Tightening laws restricting the use and possession of firearms does not protect average law-abiding citizens; it only puts them at greater risk. Enforcing licensing restrictions, trigger locks, and waiting periods makes it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, and, as a result, encourages criminal activity. Only criminals benefit when ordinary citizens are deprived of their right to own a firearm and protect themselves, their homes, and their families” (Lott, 2000, p. 169)
Lott, J., (2000). More guns, less crime: Understanding crime and gun-control laws. University of Chicago Press.
The argument boils down to this:
- Laws that are obeyed by ordinary citizens and not obeyed by criminals are laws that put ordinary citizens at risk.
- Tight gun laws are laws that are obeyed only by ordinary citizens.
- Tight gun laws put ordinary citizens at risk.
However, the argument itself is composed of three intertwined syllogisms:
Only ordinary citizens are persons who respect tight gun laws.
Criminal persons are not ordinary citizens.
Therefore, criminals do not respect tight gun laws.
Tight gun laws restrict only ordinary citizens.
No criminal is an ordinary citizen.
No criminal is restricted by tight gun laws.
Laws that disfavor the good are laws that favor the bad.
Tight gun laws favor the bad.
Therefore, tight gun laws disfavor the good.
Notice that you cannot remove any of the “legs” and maintain the claim. Notice, also, that the reasons are closely connected and depend on or follow from each other. Notice, also, that the first premise (called the major premise) must be accepted as true or the entire argument fails.
The United States is too dependent upon foreign oil. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, we rely on imported foreign oil for about 45% of our needs. Of the imported oil, most comes from Canada, but 22% comes from countries in the Middle East. Undeniably, this dependence shapes our foreign policy. We have vast oil reserves that could make us energy-independent. Development of these resources would produce much-needed jobs, many of them in areas of the country suffering most from the recession. We should be developing an energy policy that makes us energy independent.
- Reason: We import 45% of our oil.
- Reason: Middle East oil imports shape our foreign policy.
- Reason: Our vast oil reserves could make us energy independent.
- Reason: Development of oil reserves could produce much needed jobs.
- Conclusion: For any or all of the above, independent reasons, we should become energy independent.
Notice that any one of these reasons, standing alone, could support the conclusions; they are not logically related to one another as they would be in a syllogism.
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address the following:
- Find and post examples of deductive and inductive arguments. Do NOT use an argument example which clearly indicates it is an example of an inductive/deductive argument.
- For each example, evaluate its logical strength, using the concepts and ideas presented in the textbook readings, the lesson, and any other source you find that helps you to evaluate the validity (deductive) or strength (inductive) of the argument. You can use examples from the text, or you can find examples elsewhere.
- Editorials and opinion columns are a good source, as are letters to the editor. Blogs will also often be based on arguments.
- Use mapping and evaluative techniques to make sure it is an argument.
- Is it inductive or deductive? Explain why.
- Does it pass the tests of validity and strength? Explain.
