Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning Explained

This video tutorial explores the two primary styles of reasoning: inductive and deductive. Inductive reasoning involves using specific observations to form general principles, though these conclusions are not always certain. Deductive reasoning, conversely, starts with general premises to reach specific conclusions, which are necessarily true if the premises are valid and sound. The video provides examples of both reasoning types, discusses the concepts of validity and soundness, and concludes with a review question to reinforce learning.

Which type of reasoning relies on evidence and observation to reach a probable conclusion?

• Logical reasoning

• Empirical reasoning

• Inductive reasoning

• Deductive reasoning

What was the assumed truth about mammals that was proven false by the discovery of the platypus?

• All mammals are warm-blooded

• All mammals give live birth

• All mammals are vertebrates

• All mammals have fur

If you roll a pair of dice 1,000 times and get two 6s each time, what is a reasonable conclusion?

• The dice are fair

• The dice are loaded

• The dice are new

• The dice are broken

What is the main difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

• Inductive reasoning uses specific observations to reach general principles

• Deductive reasoning uses specific observations to reach general principles

• Deductive reasoning uses specific observations to reach probable conclusions

• Inductive reasoning uses general principles to reach specific conclusions

In deductive reasoning, what does a general premise lead to?

• A probable conclusion

• A hypothesis

• A specific conclusion

• A general observation

Which of the following is an example of a deductive argument?

• All cars have wheels. Bicycles have wheels. Therefore, bicycles are cars.

• All men are mortal. Socrates was a man. Therefore, Socrates was mortal.

• All fish live in water. Whales live in water. Therefore, whales are fish.

• All birds can fly. Penguins are birds. Therefore, penguins can fly.

What makes an argument valid?

• The argument is based on observation

• The premises are true

• The conclusion is true

• The argument follows the correct format

What is required for a deductive argument to be considered sound?

• The premises are true and the argument follows the correct format

• The conclusion is true and the argument follows the correct format

• The premises are probable and the argument follows the correct format

• The premises are based on observation and the argument follows the correct format

What is a syllogism?

• A type of inductive reasoning

• A type of logical fallacy

• A type of deductive reasoning

• A type of hypothesis

Which of the following statements is false?

• Conclusions reached from inductive reasoning have the potential to be falsified.

• Conclusions reached from inductive reasoning are always true.

• A deductive argument is sound if its premises are valid and true.

• Inductive reasoning starts with specific observations.