First Blog

  Explain the differences between inductive, deductive, analogical, and abductive arguments. Inductive Reasoning Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to a general conclusion. It involves collecting data, recognizing patterns, and forming a hypothesis based on those patterns. Deductive Reasoning Deductive reasoning moves from general premises to a specific conclusion. It involves starting with a general principle and applying it to a specific case. It is the age-old classic method of critical thinking. Analogical Reasoning Analogical reasoning involves making comparisons between two things and drawing inferences based on their similarities. It identifies similarities between two things and suggests that they are likely to be similar in other ways. It is used most often to explain new and difficult concepts by relating them to something else, different but similar in structure. Abductive Rea...

Using Analogies We all use analogies to explain the concepts we want to impart, to convince, to help understand, and to reduce to a simpler more physical and familiar level of understanding.   Analogies have been used over the great span of time, even in Plato’s Phaedo , where the philosopher’s soul of reason should not do and redo arguments as with Penelope’s rug 2 . (Plato, Phaedo ) Research says indicates that using analogies assists in concept development. This is something we’ve all suspected. It is interesting to note that it is somewhat established in the literature 1 .     To be effective, analogies must be familiar, and their features must be synchronous with those of the target. Reasoning by analogy indicates the target concept is like something else.   You can argue it, but it is still only an analogy and may prove nothing at all.   The real problem is that the analogy may be false, and worse still is that your audience may interpret you...