Inductive and Deductive Arguments

 

A.  Inductive Arguments

  1. argument from particular observations to general conclusions.

  2. leads to probable conclusions, not necessary ones.

  3. arguments can be better or worse depending on degree of probability.

Examples:

Eddie has failed to follow through with his education, in his relationships with women, and with the jobs that he has previously held, therefore he will probably not follow through on this assignment.

 

Many people who smoke seem to get cancer. 

Thus, if you want to avoid getting cancer, don't smoke.

 

B.  Deductive Arguments

  1. argument from the general to the particular.

  2. leads to certain conclusions.

  3. arguments are valid or invalid.

Examples:

If abortion is the taking of a human life,

and if the taking of a human life is murder,

then it must be true that abortion is murder.

 

All southern Italians are hot-heads.

Don Chiccio is a southern Italian.

Therefore, Don Chiccio must be a hot-head.

 

    Ex. 1:  Inductive and Deductive Arguments

 

Still feel a bit insecure about the difference between inductive and deductive arguments?  Then check out this site for more information and examples.

 

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