Understanding Problem Solving: Reasoning Types

Introduction to
Reasoning
● Welcome to the third chapter on problem
solving and reasoning.
● Today, we will explore two main types of
reasoning: inductive and deductive.
● Understanding these concepts is crucial
for effective problem-solving.
 Inductive Reasoning
● Inductive reasoning involves making generalized decisions based
on specific observations.
● It moves from specific instances to broader generalizations.
● Example: If a clerk is a grandfather and is bald, one might
conclude that all grandfathers are bald.
Key Characteristics of
Inductive Reasoning

● Inductive reasoning is observation-based.

● Conclusions may not always be valid.
● It is often used to form hypotheses.
● It involves uncertainty in its conclusions.
 Deductive Reasoning
● Deductive reasoning takes general observations to make specific
conclusions.
● It moves from general principles to specific instances.
● Example: All humans are kind; Archie is a human; therefore,
Archie is kind.
 Key Characteristics of
Deductive Reasoning

● Deductive reasoning is theory-based.

● Conclusions are correct and valid if
premises are true.
● It is used to prove ideas and is always
certain.
Comparison of Inductive
and Deductive Reasoning

● Inductive: Observation-based, generalizes

from specific instances.
● Deductive: Theory-based, concludes from
general principles.
● Inductive conclusions may not be valid;
deductive conclusions are certain.
 Examples of Inductive Reasoning
● Example 1: Every windstorm in this area comes from the north; a
big cloud of dust is seen; therefore, a new windstorm is coming.
● Example 2: All cats have a keen sense of smell; Fluffy is a cat;
therefore, Fluffy has a keen sense of smell.
 Examples of Deductive
Reasoning
● Example 1: All dolphins are mammals; all
mammals have kidneys; therefore, all
dolphins have kidneys.
● Example 2: It is dangerous to drive on icy
streets; the streets are icy; therefore, it is
dangerous to drive.
Engaging with
Reasoning
● Think about a situation where you used
inductive reasoning.
● Can you identify a time when deductive
reasoning helped you solve a problem?
● Share your thoughts with the class.
 Intuition in Problem Solving
● Intuition is the ability to understand something instinctively
without conscious reasoning.
● It often guides initial thoughts or answers.
● Example: Knowing a square has four sides without calculation.
 Mathematical Proof

● Mathematical proof is an argument that

convinces others of the truth of a
statement.
● It provides justification for conclusions
drawn from reasoning.
● Example: Proving that a polygon with four
sides is a quadrilateral.
Certainty in
Conclusions
● Certainty refers to conclusions that are
beyond doubt.
● Example: Drawing a square on the board
after proving its properties.
● Certainty builds confidence in problem-
solving.
 Connecting Intuition, Proof, and Certainty

● Intuition leads to initial thoughts or answers.

● Mathematical proof provides evidence for those thoughts.
● Certainty confirms the validity of conclusions drawn.
 Introduction to
Reasoning
● Welcome to our exploration of the
foundations of reasoning!
● In this presentation, we will dive into the
two primary types of reasoning: inductive
and deductive.
● Understanding these reasoning methods
will equip you to evaluate arguments,
justify statements, and tackle problems
more effectively.
Inductive Reasoning

● Inductive reasoning is the process of

making generalized conclusions based on
specific observations or instances.
● It moves from the specific to the general,
drawing broader principles from a series
of observations.
● Inductive reasoning is often used to form
hypotheses and make predictions.
● However, conclusions reached through
inductive reasoning may not always be
fully certain or valid.
 Deductive Reasoning
● Deductive reasoning, on the other hand, is the process of
reaching specific conclusions based on general premises or
facts.
● It moves from the general to the specific, drawing specific
inferences from established principles.
● Deductive reasoning is often used to prove ideas and validate
conclusions.
● Deductive reasoning produces conclusions that are certain and
logically valid, provided the premises are true.
 Comparing Inductive and
Deductive Reasoning

● Let's summarize the key differences

between inductive and deductive
reasoning:
● Inductive reasoning is observation-based,
while deductive reasoning is theory-
based.
● Inductive reasoning involves reaching
conclusions from a series of observations,
while deductive reasoning draws
conclusions from previously known facts.
● Inductive reasoning conclusions may be
uncertain, while deductive reasoning
conclusions are certain and valid.
● Inductive reasoning is used to form
hypotheses, while deductive reasoning is
used to prove ideas.
Identifying Reasoning
Types
● Now, let's put your understanding to the test.
Analyze the following examples and determine
whether they demonstrate inductive or deductive
reasoning.
● Example 1: All dolphins are mammals. All
mammals have kidneys. Therefore, all dolphins
have kidneys.
● Example 2: Every windstorm in this area comes
from the north. I can see a big cloud of dust in
the distance. Therefore, a new windstorm is
coming from the north.
● Example 3: All cats have a keen sense of smell.
Fluffy is a cat. Therefore, Fluffy has a keen sense
of smell.
 Intuition, Proof, and Certainty
● In addition to the types of reasoning, let's explore three related concepts: intuition, proof, and
certainty.
● Intuition is the ability to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for
conscious reasoning or evidence.
● Proof is an argument that convinces others that a statement is true, using logical reasoning and
evidence.
● Certainty is a conclusion or outcome that is beyond doubt, where you have no room for
uncertainty.
● These three elements work together to support our understanding and decision-making
processes.
 Intuition in Action

● Let's consider an example of intuition in

action:
● Teacher: "Square, rectangle, and rhombus
are all parallelograms. A parallelogram is
a quadrilateral with opposite sides that are
parallel and equal. How many sides does
a square have?"
● Student: "Four."
● In this case, the student did not need to
consciously reason through the definition
of a square. Their intuitive understanding
of the properties of a square led them to
the correct answer immediately.
Proof and Justification

● Building on the previous example, let's

explore how proof and justification work:
● Teacher: "How do you know a square has
four sides?"
● Student: "A square is a polygon with four
sides. All parallelograms, including
squares, have four sides."
● In this case, the student provided a
mathematical proof to justify their intuitive
answer, convincing the teacher and
demonstrating their understanding.
 Certainty and Confirmation
● Finally, let's consider how certainty is achieved:
● Teacher: "Please draw a square on the board to illustrate your
answer."
● Student draws a square on the board.
● In this step, the visual confirmation of the square's properties
provides a level of certainty that goes beyond just the proof. The
student can now be completely confident in their answer.
 Applying the Concepts

● Now that you have a solid understanding

of inductive, deductive, intuition, proof,
and certainty, let's apply these concepts to
problem-solving.
● When faced with a problem, consider the
following:
● What type of reasoning (inductive or
deductive) would be most appropriate to
approach the problem?
● Can you rely on intuition to guide your
initial thinking, and then use proof to
justify your conclusions?
● How can you establish a level of certainty
in your final solution?
Strengthening Your
Reasoning Skills
● To further develop your reasoning skills,
consider the following strategies:
● Practice identifying the type of reasoning
used in various examples and arguments.
● Engage in thought experiments and
hypothetical scenarios to exercise your
inductive and deductive reasoning
abilities.
● Seek out opportunities to provide
mathematical proofs and justifications for
your conclusions.
● Strive to reach a level of certainty in your
problem-solving efforts, and be willing to
challenge your own intuitions.
 The Importance of Reasoning
● Developing strong reasoning skills is crucial for success in
academic and professional pursuits.
● The ability to think critically, evaluate arguments, and justify
conclusions will serve you well in various domains, from science
and mathematics to philosophy and decision-making.
● By mastering the foundations of reasoning, you'll be better
equipped to tackle complex problems, make informed decisions,
and contribute meaningfully to discussions and debates.
 Conclusion

● In this presentation, we have explored the

fundamental concepts of inductive and deductive
reasoning, as well as the related ideas of
intuition, proof, and certainty.
● Understanding these reasoning principles will
empower you to approach problems and
arguments with greater clarity, rigor, and
confidence.
● Remember to continuously challenge your own
thinking, seek out opportunities to apply these
concepts, and strive to cultivate your reasoning
abilities.
● Thank you for your engagement, and best of luck
in your future endeavors!