Inductive Reasoning

§Form of logic that makes conclusion probable, not certain as in deductive reasoning.
§Uses several specific examples to draw a general conclusionUsed scientifically

Modus Tollens

§“Denying the consequence”
Ex: Premise: If Michael were a really good friend, he would lend me his car for the weekend.
Premise: Michael refuses to lend me his car for the weekend.
Conclusion: Therefore, Michael is not a really good friend.

Modus Ponens

§“Affirming the antecedent”
Ex: Premise: If I have prepared thoroughly for the final exam, then I will do well.
Premise: I prepared thoroughly for the exam
Conclusion: Therefore, I will do well on the exam.

Brerakdown of deductive logic

žThe first premise, usually referred to as the minor premise states two properties:
One property can be classified in the category of the larger property (All men are mortal)—all men fall into the category of mortal
žThe second premise, usually referred to as the minor premise, states that a third property is a member of the first category (Socrates is a man)
žThe conclusion directly follows the minor premise in that because the third property is a member of the first category, it must also possess the quality of that category (therefore, Socrates is mortal)

Example of Deductive Logic

§Premise/Reason: All men are mortal
§Premise/Reason: Socrates is a man
§Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal
§By accepting that the premises are true, the conclusion is necessarily true
§Conversely, deductive reasoning works only if the premises are accepted as true
§The above structure is referred to as a syllogism

Deductive Reasoning

§Most commonly associated with logic
§Applying general to specific
§Used with the principle that as long as the supporting reasons (premises) are true, the conclusion is true
§Most absolute kind of reasoning

Essay Requirements

§6-10 pages
§6 sources—including the work you are starting with
§MLA format
§Works Cited
§TitleInclude not only support for your point of view but the opposing argument