Instruction
For this essay you will:
Find and analyze an example of a deductive reasoningor inductive reasoning. Use any text you wish: an advert, excerpt from a political speech or media article, social media posting etc., from this website: https://www.theguardian.com/uk.
The distinctions are below:
- Deductive: if premises are true, then the conclusion must be true
- Inductive: if premises are true, then the conclusion is probably true
I have provided a couple of examples of each at the end of this brief.
Begin by describing the example; if you are using a text, be sure to provide the link. Explain if it is deductive or inductive; if the latter, is it hypothetical, analogical, or enumerative? (It might not be any of these). Identify the premise(s) and conclusion. Then, analyze the example using the concepts. That is, if you are looking at an example of deduction, is it valid? Sound? If inductive, is it strong? Cogent? Conclude by briefly commenting on the overall effectiveness of the reasoning.
Your entry should be approximately 350 words long. The writing can be quite informal, as long as it is clear, structured, and aims to be free of errors. See the blog rubric for details on how the entry will be assessed
Examples of Deductive Reasoning
We need X revenue to be profitable. We do not have X revenue. We are not profitable.
Our company is the only business that produces this specific part; therefore, customers needing that part must purchase it from us.
Examples of Inductive Reasoning
Company A sells widgets and has many customers. Many customers would prefer that their widgets were cheaper. If we make cheaper widgets, we will have more customers than Company A.
Every temp I've had from that agency was really professional. Next time I need to hire a temp I will go back to that agency.
The cost of goods was $1.00. The cost of labor to manufacture was $.50. The sales price of the item was $5.00. I should keep making this item because it will always provide a good profit.
Examples adapted from
https://www.mutuallyhuman.com/blog/2011/10/31/design-thinking-and-innovation-part-1-2/
(Links to an external site.)
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/use-inductive-deductive-reasoning-advertising-24291.html
(Links to an external site.)