Reasoning 1

Reasoning is the cognitive process of drawing conclusions from available information. It involves making sense of evidence, evaluating arguments, and reaching logical judgments. Reasoning plays a crucial role in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Types of Reasoning

1. Deductive Reasoning

• Definition: Deductive reasoning starts from general principles (premises) and derives specific conclusions.
• Example: “All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.”
• Purpose: To establish certainty based on valid logical structure.

2. Inductive Reasoning

• Definition: Inductive reasoning starts from specific observations and generalizes to broader conclusions.
• Example: “Every swan I’ve seen is white. Therefore, all swans are white.”
• Purpose: To make probabilistic predictions based on evidence.

3. Abductive Reasoning

• Definition: Abductive reasoning seeks the best explanation for observed phenomena.
• Example: A detective infers that a suspect committed a crime based on available clues.
• Purpose: To generate hypotheses and make educated guesses.

Fallacies Index

• Definition: Fallacies are errors in reasoning that lead to invalid or unsound conclusions.
• Types:
  • Formal Fallacies: Errors in the logical structure of an argument.
  • Informal Fallacies: Errors related to content, context, or relevance.
• Examples:
  • Formal Fallacy: “Affirming the consequent” (invalid modus ponens).
  • Informal Fallacy: “Ad hominem” (attacking the person instead of the argument).