Reasoning Chapter 15

So what is Reasoning?... The process in which we look for reasons to believe, conclude, act, or feel a certain way. This is important because you cannot simply say, “because I’m right” or “You’re a stupid head” in your speech. What two types of fallacies are demonstrated above?

First type Inductive Reasoning Induce- to bring about, produce, or cause Inductive reasoning starts by looking at specific examples, related to our topic. Analyzing these examples CAUSES us to PRODUCE a rule or conclusion.

EXAMPLE Do not write…listen During your research you find several scientific studies that say students performed much higher on tests after eating Milky Way candy bars. By Inductive reasoning, you produce the conclusion that eating Milky Way bars increases your chances of scoring higher on tests.

Deductive Reasoning Deduce- to obtain a conclusion from something known or assumed Deductive Reasoning = Generally accepted conclusion + application to specific examples The above is used to show that the conclusion does apply to the specific situation

Okay, let’s clarify this See deductive reasoning is best used when you are trying to make a change on a local level. For example, Women did not always have the right to vote. In 1872, Susan B. Anthony illegally voted in the election. Here is how she used deductive reasoning to support her case

Her case She used Constitutional Preamble…”We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union…” Her argument was that the constitution calls for the rights of “We the people”, not “We the male citizens”.

Result She was convicted. But her argument was the foundation for the Civil Rights movement and the later Woman’s movement. Both of which Succeeded.

Reasoning From Sign Reasoning from sign means that we make a conclusion based on something we observe. For example, if you call your friend and they don’t answer, you might conclude that they are busy.

Be Careful with Sign However, while your conclusion might make sense, it is not necessarily right. Your friend just might be screening their phone calls because they don’t like you.

Causal Reasoning matter of cause and effect Causal Reasoning can be very useful if you are trying to prevent an issue. Here you are looking to avoid an effect by eliminating or fixing the cause. Be careful here though too. You must make the case clear that your cause that you want to fix or eliminate absolutely positively without a doubt is the cause of the negative effect.

For Example Let’s take Global climate change, formerly known as global warming. You want to stop it. So you make the case that we must stop putting toxins in the air. Your cause…well could be many things. Could be car pollution, nuclear waste, industrial waste, etc… That is a valid causal argument.

Analogy So what’s an analogy? Well, an analogy is a comparison between two things, that conveys a specific message. Example: If you were to make a very good point during a class discussion, I might say that you knocked that one out of the park. What am I saying about your point? (yes answer that)

Precisely I am saying that your point was excellent. Analogies can be useful in conveying emotion or simplifying a topic so that your audience can understand.

Vocabulary list Test on Tuesday Deduce* Induce* Convey- to express Reasoning* Infer- to conclude or judge from reasoning. *these words are in your notes.