Logical reasoning

Logical reasoning

In logic, three kinds of logical reasoning can be distinguished: deduction, induction and abduction. Given a "precondition", a "conclusion", and a "rule" that the "precondition" implies the "conclusion", they can be explained in the following way:

:*Deduction means determining the "conclusion". It is using the "rule" and its "precondition" to make a "conclusion". Example: "When it rains, the grass gets wet. It rains. Thus, the grass is wet." Mathematicians are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.

:*Induction means determining the "rule". It is learning the "rule" after numerous examples of the "conclusion" following the "precondition". Example: "The grass has been wet every time it has rained. Thus, when it rains, the grass gets wet." Scientists are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.

:*Abduction means determining the "precondition". It is using the "conclusion" and the "rule" to support that the "precondition" could explain the "conclusion". Example: "When it rains, the grass gets wet. The grass is wet, it must have rained." Diagnosticians and detectives are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.

ee also

*Logic
*Logical fallacy
*Logical argument
*Inference
*Reason
*Reasoning
*Deductive reasoning
*Inductive reasoning
*Abductive reasoning
*Defeasible reasoning
*Analogy
*Metaphor

References

T. Menzies. Applications of Abduction: Knowledge-Level Modeling. November 1996.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • logical reasoning — index rationale Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • Reasoning — is the cognitive process of looking for reasons for beliefs, conclusions, actions or feelings. [ Kirwin, Christopher. 1995. Reasoning . In Ted Honderich (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Philosophy . Oxford: Oxford University Press: p. 748] Humans… …   Wikipedia

  • Reasoning — (Roget s Thesaurus) < N PARAG:Reasoning >N GRP: N 1 Sgm: N 1 1 =>{ant,477,} reasoning ratiocination rationalism Sgm: N 1 dialectics dialectics induction generalization GRP: N 2 Sgm: N 2 discussion discussion comment Sgm: N 2 …   English dictionary for students

  • logical argument — noun a course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating a truth or falsehood; the methodical process of logical reasoning I can t follow your line of reasoning • Syn: ↑argumentation, ↑argument, ↑line of reasoning, ↑line • Derivationally related forms:… …   Useful english dictionary

  • reasoning — noun (U) a process of thinking carefully about something in order to make a judgement: logical reasoning | the reasoning behind: What is the reasoning behind this proposal? …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • Logical positivism — (also known as logical empiricism, scientific philosophy, and neo positivism) is a philosophy that combines empiricism the idea that observational evidence is indispensable for knowledge with a version of rationalism incorporating mathematical… …   Wikipedia

  • Logical truth — is one of the most fundamental concepts in logic, and there are different theories on its nature. A logical truth is a statement which is true and remains true under all reinterpretations of its components other than its logical constants. It is… …   Wikipedia

  • logical — logical, analytical, subtle are comparable when they are applied to persons, their minds, their mental habits, or products of their reasoning and mean having or showing skill in thinking or reasoning. They are often used interchangeably or… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • Logical — Log ic*al (l[o^]j [i^]*kal), a. [Cf. F. logique, L. logicus, Gr. logiko s.] 1. Of or pertaining to logic; used in logic; as, logical subtilties. Bacon. [1913 Webster] 2. According to the rules of logic; as, a logical argument or inference; the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • logical — [läj′i kəl] adj. [ML logicalis] 1. of or used in the science of logic 2. according to the principles of logic, or correct reasoning 3. necessary or to be expected because of what has gone before; that follows as reasonable 4. using or accustomed… …   English World dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”