Reasoning - Abductive, Deductive, Inductive

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What is Abductive Reasoning?

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A type of reasoning that starts with an observation or set of observations and seeks the simplest and most likely explanation.

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What is Deductive Reasoning?

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A type of reasoning that starts with general statements or hypotheses and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion.

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What is Inductive Reasoning?

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A type of reasoning that involves looking at specific examples and making generalizations based on those examples.

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Example of Abductive Reasoning:

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The table next to me at Panera has a bowl of soup on it, but no one is sitting there. Maybe they are in the restroom and will return soon.

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Example of Deductive Reasoning:

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It always takes 30 minutes to get to work. Tomorrow I need to be at work at 9. I should leave my house by 8:30.

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Example of Inductive Reasoning:

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4 out of 5 times I beat Corey at pool, and I'm going to play him tomorrow. So, I'll very likely win.

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Key characteristic of Abductive Reasoning:

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It provides the best possible explanation but does not guarantee that the conclusion is true.

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Key characteristic of Deductive Reasoning:

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If the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.

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Key characteristic of Inductive Reasoning:

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It allows for the conclusion to be probable, but not certain.

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When is Inductive Reasoning used?

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When making predictions or generalizations based on patterns observed in specific instances.