Examples of deductive logic

Answer 1

This is a concept made more complex than necessary. The two complementary processes of inductive vs. deductive are very simply and easily understood. Consider the number series; 3, 5, 7, 'x', 11, 13, 15, 'y' Simple inspection shows this to be a series of 'odd' numbers, what a mathematician would call 'n+1'. Inductive vs. deductive simply describes the 'type' of reasoning used to determine either 'x' or 'y'. Because it lies 'inside' the other data points, the 'deduction' that 'x'=9 is reached by deductive logic, or, deductive reasoning. We 'deduce' x=9. 'y', on the other hand, lies 'outside' the data, i.e. we don't have a '19' on the 'right' of the 'y' to help us 'deduce' the answer. Much riskier than deductive logic/reasoning, we are forced to use less evidence than we did for the 'x' case. This method is called 'inductive logic/reasoning'. For those who've been exposed to just a little math, this process might seem similar to the dual processes of interpolation and extrapolation...that's because...they are. Identical. Smile, nod and thank those who try to convince you there's 'more to it than THAT!!!'. There isn't. 'Guessing' about anything from 'inside' the data = Deduction/Deductive Reasoning/Deductive Logic = fairly 'safe' procedure = (also) Interpolation. 'Guessing' about anything from 'outside' the data = Induction/Inductive Reasoning/Inductive Logic = slightly riskier procedure = (also) Extrapolation Example of Deductive Logic/Reasoning; Sign directly above two identical unmarked doors, saying 'Customer Restrooms'. Man exits 'left' door. Another man exits 'left' door. Person, with 'hoodie' up, leaves 'left' door. Fourth person, man, exits 'left' door. Deduction? Third person, of unknown gender, exiting 'left' door, was a man. Example of Inductive Logic/Reasoning (same scenario); 'Right' door is the 'ladies'. It really is just that simple.