Deductive Reasoning : Syllogism
TAGS: SyllogismUPSC
Spread the love

Deductive reasoning : Syllogism

Deductive reasoning is a basic form of valid reasoning. Deductive reasoning, or deduction, starts out with a general statement, or hypothesis, and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. The scientific method uses deduction to test hypotheses and theories. “In deductive inference, we hold a theory and based on it we make a prediction of its consequences. That is, we predict what the observations should be if the theory were correct. We go from the general — the theory — to the specific — the observations”

Deductive reasoning usually follows steps. First, there is a premise, then a second premise, and finally an inference. A common form of deductive reasoning is the syllogism, in which two statements — a major premise and a minor premise — reach a logical conclusion. For example, the premise “Every furniture is wood ” could be followed by another premise, “This chair is furniture .” Those statements would lead to the conclusion “This chair is wood .” Syllogisms are considered a good way to test deductive reasoning to make sure the argument is valid.

For example, “All men are intelligent . pappu is a man. Therefore, pappu is intelligent .” For deductive reasoning to be sound, the hypothesis must be correct. It is assumed that the premises, “All men are intelligent” and ” pappu is a man” are true. Therefore, the conclusion is logical and true. In deductive reasoning, if something is true of a class of things in general, it is also true for all members of that class.
Deductive inference conclusions are certain provided the premises are true. It’s possible to come to a logical conclusion even if the generalization is not true. If the generalization is wrong, the conclusion may be logical, but it may also be untrue. For example, the argument, “All bald men are grandfathers. Pappu is bald. Therefore, pappu is a grandfather,” is valid logically but it is untrue because the original statement is false. 

Click below to watch video on syllogism

Author