Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Today's class focused on critically reading and analyzing texts. We revisted some material from Chapter 4 in our textbooks, specifically pages 28-34. We reviewed inductive and deductive reasoning.

Deductive reasoning refers to the process of concluding that something must be true because it is a special case of a general principle that is known to be true. For example, if you know the general principle that the sum of the angles in any triangle is always 180 degrees, and you have a particular triangle in mind, you can then conclude that the sum of the angles in your triangle is 180 degrees. Inductive reasoning is the process of reasoning that a general principle is true because the special cases you've seen are true. For example, if all the people you've ever met from a particular town have been very strange, you might then say "all the residents of this town are strange". That is inductive reasoning: constructing a general principle from special cases. It goes in the opposite direction from deductive reasoning (SparkNotes).

We also discussed the two common methods to analyze an argument and evaluate its effectiveness:

1. concentrate on the type of reasoning the writer is using and
2. question the logical relation of a writer's claim, grounds, and warrants, using the Toulmin method.
   

There are several common logical fallacies in this chapter that you will need to learn (pp. 33-34). I recommend making flash cards to help with this process. I posted the handouts from today's class in the Unit III Readings folder in Blackboard. You are to read the two articles on the Prop. 107 issue and analyze each argument and evaluate its effectiveness. Also point out any fallacy each article might have committed. Write your comments on the articles and bring to class on Friday. You do not need to write up anything formal, just annotate in the margins of the articles.

Articles to Read on Blackboard:

	Yes Vote on Prop 107 Yes Vote on Prop 107.doc (30 Kb) Leo Godzich Writes Editorial Urging "Yes" Vote on Proposition 107
	Opposition to Prop 107 Opposition to Prop 107.doc (33 Kb) Attorney Coalition in Maricopa County Voice Opposition to Prop 107 - the So-Called "Protect Marriage" Amendment