Inductive vs Non-Deductive Reasoning and Related Concepts

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts related to inductive and non-deductive reasoning, Hume's problem of induction, the logic of confirmation, and the Duhem-Quine thesis, as presented in the lecture notes.

what is inductive reasoning

moves from specific observations to broader generalizations

• You notice patterns or repeated examples then draw a probable conclusion

• The conclusion is likely true but not guaranteed 

what is deductive reasoning

moves from general principles to specific conclusions

• If the premises are true the conclusion is necessarily true 

which are the reasonings we mostly use

Most reasoning we actually do is not deductive 

Induction. Projection, and explanatory inference are the most used

what is the meaning of validity 

Valid only has one meaning and it is “deductive validity”

• Deductive validity:  if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true, the conclusion follows from the premises.