Deductive and Inductive Reasoning & Patterns of Development

These flashcards cover key concepts related to deductive and inductive reasoning, patterns of development in writing, and common logical fallacies essential for the upcoming quiz.

Deductive Reasoning

A logic method that moves from general premises to a specific conclusion; if all premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Syllogism

The simplest form of deductive reasoning, consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.

Major Premise

A general statement in a syllogism (e.g., 'Exercise contributes to good health').

Minor Premise

A more specific statement related to the major premise in a syllogism (e.g., 'Yoga is a type of exercise').

Conclusion

The result drawn from the major and minor premises in a syllogism (e.g., 'Yoga contributes to good health').

Inductive Reasoning

A logic method that moves from specific evidence to a general conclusion based on that evidence.

Inference

A statement about the unknown based on known evidence.

Cause and Effect

A pattern of development that explains why something happens (cause) and what results from it (effect).

Problem-Solution

A related form of cause and effect that identifies an issue and proposes ways to fix it.

Description

Uses sensory details to create a vivid picture of a subject.

Exemplification

Uses specific examples to illustrate a point or make an idea more convincing.

Narration

Tells a story or recounts an event, including characters and conflict, to engage the reader and illustrate a concept.

Classification and Division

Grouping items into categories based on shared traits or breaking one large idea into parts for analysis.

Logical Fallacy

A mistake in reasoning that makes an argument weak or invalid.

Bandwagon Fallacy (Ad Populum)

An argument that suggests something is true because many people believe it.

Ad Hominem

A personal attack that focuses on the individual making an argument rather than their argument.

Circular Reasoning

An argument that starts with a premise that assumes the conclusion is already true.

Hasty Generalization

A conclusion drawn from insufficient evidence, often leading to stereotypes.

Slippery Slope

Presents a chain of cause and effect where one event leads to a series of negative outcomes.

Begging the Question

Occurs when an argument’s premise assumes the truth of its conclusion.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

A faulty cause-and-effect reasoning suggesting that because one event follows another, the first caused the second.

Appeal to False Authority

Arguing that a claim is true because an authority figure supports it, without expert knowledge.