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− | [[Image:lighterstill.jpg]] | + | [[Image:lighterstill.jpg]] |
− | | + | '''Deductive reasoning''' is [[reasoning]] which uses deductive [[argument]]s to move from given statements ([[premise]]s), which are assumed to be true, to [[conclusion]]s, which must be true if the premises are true. |
− | '''Deductive reasoning''' is [[reasoning]] which uses deductive [[argument]]s to move from given statements ([[premise]]s), which are assumed to be true, to [[conclusion]]s, which must be true if the premises are true.[http://www.askoxford.com/results/?view=dev_dict&field-12668446=deduction&branch=13842570&textsearchtype=exact&sortorder=score%2Cname AskOxford], [http://www.bartleby.com/61/44/D0084400.html Bartleby], [http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=deduce*1+0&dict=A Cambridge Dictionary of American English], [http://m-w.com/dictionary/deduction Merriam-Webster]. | + | [[File:AbductionDeductionInduction650.jpg|center|frame]] |
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| The classic example of deductive reasoning, given by [[Aristotle]], is | | The classic example of deductive reasoning, given by [[Aristotle]], is |
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| ==Background== | | ==Background== |
| + | Deductive reasoning was developed by [[Aristotle]], [[Thales]], [[Pythagoras]], and other Greek philosophers of the Classical Period (600 to 300 B.C.). Aristotle, for example, relates a story of how Thales used his skills to deduce that the next season's olive crop would be a very large one. He therefore bought all the olive presses and made a fortune when the bumper olive crop did indeed arrive.[https://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Thales.html Thales of Miletus] |
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− | Deductive reasoning was developed by [[Aristotle]], [[Thales]], [[Pythagoras]], and other Greek philosophers of the Classical Period (600 to 300 B.C.). Aristotle, for example, relates a story of how Thales used his skills to deduce that the next season's olive crop would be a very large one. He therefore bought all the olive presses and made a fortune when the bumper olive crop did indeed arrive.[http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Thales.html Thales of Miletus]
| + | Deductive reasoning is dependent on its premises. That is, a false premise can possibly lead to a false result, and inconclusive premises will also yield an inconclusive conclusion.[https://www.investigativepsych.com/inductive.htm Brief Discussion on Inductive/Deductive Profiling] |
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− | Deductive reasoning is dependent on its premises. That is, a false premise can possibly lead to a false result, and inconclusive premises will also yield an inconclusive conclusion.[http://www.investigativepsych.com/inductive.htm Brief Discussion on Inductive/Deductive Profiling] | |
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| Alternative to deductive reasoning is [[inductive reasoning]]. The basic difference between the two can be summarized in the deductive dynamic of logically progressing from general evidence to a particular truth or conclusion; whereas with induction the logical dynamic is precisely the reverse. Inductive reasoning starts with a particular observation that is believed to be a demonstrative model for a truth or principle that is assumed to apply generally. | | Alternative to deductive reasoning is [[inductive reasoning]]. The basic difference between the two can be summarized in the deductive dynamic of logically progressing from general evidence to a particular truth or conclusion; whereas with induction the logical dynamic is precisely the reverse. Inductive reasoning starts with a particular observation that is believed to be a demonstrative model for a truth or principle that is assumed to apply generally. |
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| ==Natural deduction== | | ==Natural deduction== |
| Deductive reasoning should be distinguished from the related concept of [[natural deduction]], an approach to proof theory that attempts to provide a formal model of logical reasoning as it "naturally" occurs. | | Deductive reasoning should be distinguished from the related concept of [[natural deduction]], an approach to proof theory that attempts to provide a formal model of logical reasoning as it "naturally" occurs. |
− | | + | ==See also== |
| + | *[https://www.askoxford.com/results/?view=dev_dict&field-12668446=deduction&branch=13842570&textsearchtype=exact&sortorder=score%2Cname AskOxford] |
| + | *[https://www.bartleby.com/61/44/D0084400.html Bartleby], |
| + | *[https://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=deduce*1 Cambridge Dictionary of American English] |
| + | *[https://m-w.com/dictionary/deduction Merriam-Webster]. |
| ==Cultural references== | | ==Cultural references== |
| [[Sherlock Holmes]], the [[fictional character|fictional]] [[detective]] created by [[Sir Arthur Conan Doyle]], is well known for referring to deductive reasoning in numerous of Doyle's stories. However, Holmes' most famous inferences were arguably cases of [[Abductive reasoning|abduction]]. | | [[Sherlock Holmes]], the [[fictional character|fictional]] [[detective]] created by [[Sir Arthur Conan Doyle]], is well known for referring to deductive reasoning in numerous of Doyle's stories. However, Holmes' most famous inferences were arguably cases of [[Abductive reasoning|abduction]]. |
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| ==Further reading== | | ==Further reading== |
− | * [[Vincent F. Hendricks]], ''Thought 2 Talk: A Crash Course in Reflection and Expression'', New York: Automatic Press / VIP, 2005, ISBN 87-991013-7-8 | + | * [[Vincent F. Hendricks]], ''Thought 2 Talk: A Crash Course in Reflection and Expression'', New York: Automatic |
| + | Press / VIP, 2005, ISBN 87-991013-7-8 |
| * Zarefsky, David, ''Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning Parts I and II'', The Teaching Company 2002 | | * Zarefsky, David, ''Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning Parts I and II'', The Teaching Company 2002 |
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| + | [[Category: Logic]] |