- Deductive Reasoning
It is the reasoning from a general principle to particular cases. The basic rule that underlines deductive reasoning states that what is true or false of the whole class true or false of each member of the class. Example;
- No children are parents
- All Fon are parents
Therefore, no Fon are children
In deductive reasoning, the universal principles are given which we then apply to particular places. Deduction is necessary reasoning based upon the meaning of the language involved.
- Inductive Reasoning
This is the reasoning from particular cases investigated, analyzed and experimental to drawing generalized. An inductive reasoning is one which is claimed that if the premises are true then it is possible that the conclusion is true. Example:
- An iroko tree is a tropical plant.
Therefore, all iroko trees are tropical plants.
The argument will run than since the relation has hold good in every instance that has been made with it could continue to help well in all other examples. Sometimes, the basic principle that underlines inductive reasoning states that what is true or false of a whole class. Example;
- A child is a dependent person.
Therefore, all children are dependent persons.
In induction, reality present itself in concentrate and particular and the tasks of reasoning into the same universal principle which is mostly bidden reasoning on sense perception of actual phenomenon.
- Analogy
This is reasoning from similar cases based on past experience to what the future will hold it logically possible that what happens to some cases but not happen to others.
For example; an author who wrote an exciting novel and brings out another novel will not be concluded at first slight that like second novel will be exciting.
Analogy is used in explanation, when something unfamiliar is made intelligible though being compared to something else; presumably more familiar to which it has certain similarities. For example; A good leader cuter for the interest of his subject just as a shepherd who takes care of his sheep.
- Laws of Thought
Definition
A law of thought is a certain basic and necessary principle which lies at the basic of reasoning. There are three (3) laws of thought brought out by Aristotle.
- The Principle of Identify
It states that the same term most always have the same argument or a thing is what it is. This principle helps us to identify things and distinguish one thing from another. For example; A pen is a pen OR a dog is not a pig. It is symbolized as A=A, A is equal to A.
- The Principle of Contradiction or Non-Contradiction
It devices that the same thing cannot be existent and not existent at one and the same time OR that no statement can be both true or false at one and the same time OR something cannot at the same time passes a certain attribute and not passes it.
For example; this goat is a living animal and non-living animal. It is symbolized A¹A. A is not equal to A.
- The Principle of Excluded-Middle
It states that of two contradictory propositions on must be true and the other false OR there is no mid-way between these two statements. (All pears are fruits and not all fruits are pears). It is symbolized to an A=AV2A.
