Deductive & Inductive Arguments
- Introduction to Fallacies
- Stages of an Argument
- Deductive & Inductive Arguments
Arguments can be divided into two categories: Deductive and Inductive.
Deductive Arguments
A deductive argument is an argument where the conclusion is certainly true. The supporting evidence (premise) guarantees the truth of the conclusion. Here is a classic example where the conclusion is certain:
- All men are mortal. (premise)
- Socrates was a man. (premise)
- Therefore Socrates was mortal (conclusion).
Inductive Argument
An inductive argument is an argument where the conclusion is probably true. The evidence (premise) supports the conclusion, however it does not guarantee it to be true. Here is an example where the conclusion is probable but not certain:
- Socrates was Greek. (premise)
- Most Greeks eat fish. (premise)
- Therefore Socrates ate fish. (conclusion)
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