Types of Reasoning

 Reasoning or logical reasoning is a part where we make a deduction about a piece of given information based on what we already know. In simple words, reasoning can be defined as a comparison between what we are given and what we know to get a conclusion. Even though it is an intrinsic human ability, certain aspects and conditions require proper skills to come up with a reasonable output. It can be difficult in cases where the comparison gap is significantly notable. Logical reasoning is utilized to simplify daily life choices, solve a problem, or assess the advantages and disadvantages of something. The easy reasoning rule formula can be explained as:

Provided Info + Knowledge = Well-Assessed Conclusion

 Logical reasoning can be defined as a form of thinking in which different situations are compared on the basis of given information. This comparison is then used to draw an entailed conclusion. The conclusion drawn from these types of reasoning can also be described as a logical consequence. Based on the premises and applied rules, various forms of reasoning can be explained as the following;

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning can be described as an applied logic where a series of premises is utilized to determine the truth of the conclusion. Different scenarios are evaluated in the same frame to draw a collective statement on the given data. For example; subject A is equal to subject B and subject B is equal to subject C. These premises conclude that the values of subject A and subject C will be the same.

Deductive reasoning not only give a conclusion but it also provides its evidence. This type of logical reasoning consumes the facts available in the premise and leads to an error-free conclusion. Let’s understand this with a few examples:

1. Premises – All students of this class are going to the picnic. She is a student in this class.

 Conclusion – She is going to the picnic.

2. Premise – All humans are mortal. Ram and Ravi are humans.

Conclusion – Ram, and Ravi are mortal.

3. Premise – To get admission to New York University, an applicant must score at least 70% in SATs. Reema scored 80% on her SATs.

Conclusion – Reema can apply for admission to New York University.

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is the most important type of reasoning as it involves a careful analysis of specific observations to find out a definitive conclusion. It is also known as the ‘bottom-up’ reasoning as it involves the generalization of various premises into factual statements. For example; the grass is often found wet after it rains. It means that grass will always get wet after rain.

Inductive reasoning entails conclusions in the form of a generalized statement based on empirical shreds of evidence. This is why inductive logic is not considered deductively valid. Even though conclusions made by inductive reasoning may not always be correct, it establishes a specific rule based on a series of recurring experiences. Let’s understand better with inductive reasoning examples:

1. Premise – An umbrella protects people from getting wet in the rain. Rohit was carrying his umbrella and he didn’t get wet.

Conclusion – If we apply inductive reasoning to these premises, it concludes a probable event of rain. However, it would not be considered accurate. Rohit would have stayed dry even if it didn’t rain on that day at all.

2. Premise – Every toddler between the ages of 2-4 years we see at the park in the afternoon is found crying and screaming.

Conclusion – All children between the ages of 2-4 years spend their afternoon screaming. Although, it would not be correct because the above premise states the fact about the kids in the park. This doesn’t apply to every toddler in the world.

3. Premise – Fourteen out of the twenty houses in the street burned down. Turns out that every fire incident was caused by improper wiring.

Conclusion – Since more than half of the houses have faulty wirings, it means that probably all houses in the street have faulty wirings. This statement depicts the probability of a conclusion that the conclusion itself.

Abductive Reasoning

Abductive reasoning encompasses the use of existing information to draw all probable results in the same context. It can also be described as a reasoning type that subdues the weaknesses of deducting reasoning and inductive reasoning.

Abductive reasoning often begins with an incomplete set of information that amounts to some of the likeliest possibilities of a given conclusion. This form of logical reasoning is usually considered for developing a hypothesis, which is then tested by additional data. Following are some examples of abductive reasoning:

1. Premise – Monica’s birthday is on 20th November. It’s 20th November today. 

Conclusion – Monica’s birthday is today. 

2. Premise – Joey orders two pizzas often on Thursday. He ordered two pizzas yesterday.

Conclusion – It was Thursday yesterday.

Conclusion 

Logical reasoning is an integral part of academic learning as these skills come in handy in real life as well. This form of understanding gets you through crucial phases of life, especially when you have to manage your time amidst vital activities. It’s a quality that guides you to sustain a balance between personal and professional aspects in your everyday routine. Numerous types of reasoning including deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, & abductive reasoning help us in choosing between right and wrong. The concept of reasoning is simple! You need to assess the given information with what you already know and then reach a reasoned conclusion.