Introduction to Inductive Reasoning

Estrella, Iceal E.

Learning Outcomes:
The student must be able to define what an inductive argument is. The student must be able to differentiate between inductive arguments and deductive argument. The student must be able to reason out using induction and give examples of induction.

What is an Inductive Argument?

An inductive argument is an argument in which if the premise true, it would be probable that the conclusion be true as well. An argument from particular to general. The premises supports the conclusion in a less certain degree New information are found with this kind of reasoning Help us infer probable conclusions From the observed to the unobserved Almost always premises can be added to inductive argument to make them more probable. Probability Usually used in science Analogy and statistics

What is a Deductive Argument?

An argument in which if the premises are true, it would be certain that the conclusion be true as well. An argument form a general to a particular The truth value of the conclusion depends on the truth value of the premises. Does not give new knowledge The conclusion follows necessarily from the premises

Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8xxtygm _xM

Examples
1. A red-eyed fruit fly has RNA. A white-eyed fruit fly has RNA. A Hawaiian fruit fly has RNA. Therefore, all fruit flies have RNA. 2. All copper objects that have been observed conducted electricity. All copper objects conduct electricity.

3. All observed chicks are yellow. Therefore all chicks are yellow.

Quiz: T or F
1. The conclusion necessarily follows from the premises in a deductive argument, 2. Induction is commonly used in Science 3. Inductive Arguments are from general to specific 4. Deductive Arguments are from specific to general 5. Inductive Arguments give certain conclusions 6-10. Give five examples of an inductive argument