Have you ever imagined that even the way we think follows a certain pattern based on certain elements? Over time we have used specific tools to deal with varied and complex problems. Understand better what this means deductive and inductive method how they work and differences.

What is the deductive method?

Before we explain what the deductive and inductive methods are in full, let's start with the former to make it easier The deductive method is a form of informative analysis in order to arrive at a solution.

The deductive method works in a sequential and corresponding manner, so to speak. This is because it must present true solutions based on true premises, respecting a validated logic. If any of these parts are interrupted, the method will certainly find ineffective and invalid answers.

Starting from the pillars seen as true, called the major premise, the scholar makes increasing relationships. Here enters the minor premise, a necessary bridge to arrive at a proposed truth. All this is possible thanks to a training in logical reasoning.

What is the inductive method?

The inductive method is a form of reasoning that considers general cases to draw conclusions, which are right or wrong. The idea is to get information from the big picture that can lead to other results, i.e., the more cases that take a certain route, the more they can lead us to induce new data.

With this, we are able to construct new information from old premises. It all happens through the systematic surveillance of some previously found facts. A scholar can repeat several theories and make assumptions on top of their occurrence.

Even though it is constantly resorted to, many scholars see this method as flawed. Such a reaction happens because of the conclusions that may be just guesses. Basically, they claim that this kind of method may suggest the truth, but it also may not have the strength to guarantee it.

A bit of history

The inductive method was conceived by Francis Bacon in the 17th century. Based on Empiricism, he managed to build a methodology based on the perception and observation of natural phenomena. Everything is based on gathering information, assembling, building hypotheses, and proving them .

The deductive method, on the other hand, arose in antiquity, based on Aristotelian logic. At the same time as Aristotle, there were necessary parts to observe true propositions. In this, it was already valid to find true and precise conclusions to the studies.

With this, we noticed that there was a natural need to find the deductive and inductive method. We needed flexible approaches to deal with some unavoidable demands. However, the use of the inductive and deductive method depends directly on the evaluator and the perspective required.

Differences

Although they seem to share the same path, the deductive and inductive method have diversified structures. Inductive and deductive reasoning start from a source and an assumption, respectively On that path, we were able to observe:

Histories

The inductive method works with data that serve as pillars for the construction of the conclusion itself.

Benchmark Examples

In the deductive method, the conclusion comes from premises already established through other examples.

Solidity and replication

Basically the deductive part is guided by already pre-established and generalized wisdom On the other hand, induction is guided by observations and assumptions that can be made again .

Stages of reasoning

In the field of deductive argument and inductive argument there is reasoning. This is configured as the way for us to arrive at a truth by walking through other truths already seen. There is a complete cycle he must go through in order to show his value, starting with:

• Starting with a problem that begs to be solved;
• The individual's reaction to the problem, making the definition of a diagnosis;
• With this, the problem has been registered, and at this point the search for a solution begins. This happens through various alternatives where the hypothesis is built;
• Study of hypotheses through deductive and inductive reasoning;
• Finally, the hypothesis that was selected will be worked out in reality.

Instrumental reasoning

In the deductive and inductive method there is a principle called instrumental reasoning. It is about reformulating the means and ends in order to adapt them In this, the researchers validate that it is a function inherent to reason.

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In this way, it is controversially claimed that instrumental reasoning undermines the role of reason on a practical level. In this way, the final questions are not subject to reason, but are involved with desire and emotion. Thus, reason does not influence between incompatible ends, but only makes the path to reach them.

Examples

There are some examples of deductive and inductive method that explain well how theory works. Through them we can better understand how we conduct our lives based on premises and structured thoughts. Let's start talking by:

Clothes on a clothesline

Imagine that it is the day to use the washing machine, but you are worried about the weather and whether they will dry. If it rains, there will be clouds in the sky, but the sky is clear, without any remnants of clouds In other words, it is not raining, which will allow you to dry your clothes.

Age

You look in the mirror and notice that some wrinkles have already started to appear, something that was not there when you were young. However, you remember that your own parents had them when they entered old age around this same time. Therefore, you conclude that older people have wrinkles when they start to get old.

Murder

In an attempted bank robbery there was a homicide between 9 and 10 a.m. and one of the employees claims to have seen Maria at the scene. However, Maria was in a supermarket queue two blocks away at this time. Therefore, Maria cannot have committed the robbery and assault.

Final considerations on deductive and inductive method

The deductive and inductive methods are each about assessing the conditions of the world in which we live They are alternatives so that we can study several problems at the same time and explore more than one alternative. However, some of them will not always be safe from being seen as wrong.

Still, scientific methodology in the inductive and deductive methods remains an important ingredient to observe various studies. When a situation does not apply to one, it is certainly directed to the other with completely variable results. That is why, even though they are opposite in some pillars, they can complement each other in some situations.

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