Phil 347/ critical thinkung, reasoning

   Discussion: Distinguishing Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 8, 9, 17 (Introduction)
• Lesson
• Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)

Click on the following tabs to review the concepts that will be addressed in this activity:

A valid structure is the way in which an argument is put together that assures it will pass the test of logical strength.

The Basic Structure of Deductive and Inductive Arguments
Click on the following links to view argument examples:

Link: Deductive Argument Example   Link: Inductive Argument  

Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address the following:

• Find and post examples of deductive and inductive arguments.
• For each example, evaluate its logical strength, using the concepts  and ideas presented in the textbook readings, the lesson, and any other  source you find that helps you to evaluate the validity (deductive) or  strength (inductive) of the argument. You can use examples from the  text, or you can find examples elsewhere. 
  • Editorials and opinion columns are a good source, as are letters to the editor. Blogs will also often be based on arguments.
  • Use mapping and evaluative techniques to make sure it is an argument.
• Is it inductive or deductive? Explain why.
• Does it pass the tests of validity and strength? Explain.