Logical reasoning

In logic, three kinds of logical reasoning can be distinguished: deduction, induction and abduction. Given a "precondition", a "conclusion", and a "rule" that the "precondition" implies the "conclusion", they can be explained in the following way:

:*Deduction means determining the "conclusion". It is using the "rule" and its "precondition" to make a "conclusion". Example: "When it rains, the grass gets wet. It rains. Thus, the grass is wet." Mathematicians are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.

:*Induction means determining the "rule". It is learning the "rule" after numerous examples of the "conclusion" following the "precondition". Example: "The grass has been wet every time it has rained. Thus, when it rains, the grass gets wet." Scientists are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.

:*Abduction means determining the "precondition". It is using the "conclusion" and the "rule" to support that the "precondition" could explain the "conclusion". Example: "When it rains, the grass gets wet. The grass is wet, it must have rained." Diagnosticians and detectives are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.

ee also

*Logic
*Logical fallacy
*Logical argument
*Inference
*Reason
*Reasoning
*Deductive reasoning
*Inductive reasoning
*Abductive reasoning
*Defeasible reasoning
*Analogy
*Metaphor

References

T. Menzies. Applications of Abduction: Knowledge-Level Modeling. November 1996.