DEDUCTIVE, INDUCTIVE, ABDUCTIVE

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What is deductive reasoning?

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Deductive reasoning is a logical process where a conclusion is reached based on the concordance of multiple premises that are generally assumed to be true. It moves from general principles to specific cases.

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What is inductive reasoning?

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Inductive reasoning is a logical process in which multiple premises, all believed to be true or found true most of the time, are combined to obtain a specific conclusion. It moves from specific observations to broader generalizations.

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What is abductive reasoning?

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Abductive reasoning is a form of logical inference that starts with an observation or set of observations and seeks the simplest and most likely explanation. It is often used in hypothesis formation.

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Give an example of deductive reasoning.

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If all humans are mortal (general principle) and Socrates is a human (specific case), then Socrates is mortal (conclusion).

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Give an example of inductive reasoning.

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After observing that the sun rises in the east every morning, one might conclude that the sun always rises in the east.

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Give an example of abductive reasoning.

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If you find the ground wet, you might conclude that it rained, as that is a likely explanation for the wet ground.

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What is the main difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?

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Deductive reasoning starts with general principles and moves to specific conclusions, while inductive reasoning starts with specific observations and moves to general conclusions.

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In what scenarios is inductive reasoning typically used?

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Inductive reasoning is often used in scientific research, where specific data points are analyzed to form general theories or hypotheses.

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What role does evidence play in deductive reasoning?

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In deductive reasoning, evidence is used to support the premises, which must be true for the conclusion to be valid.

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What is a common application of abductive reasoning?

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Abductive reasoning is commonly used in diagnostic processes, such as in medicine, where a doctor infers the most likely illness based on symptoms.