Chapter 5: Rationalism: the use of reason

1. Chapter 5: Rationalism: the use of reason Notes

2. Focus: Be able to distinguish between inductive and deductive arguments- In both cases to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses or the arguments. Deductive logic: Deductive logic is when you are given the truth of some information, the conclusion must be true. Example: A:all humans are mortal. B: I am human. Therefore: C: I am mortal.

3. Focus: Be able to distinguish between inductive and deductive arguments- In both cases to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses or the arguments. Inductive logic: Inductive logic draws generalized conclusions from infinite collections of specific observations. It suggests the truth, but does not ensure it. Example: A naturalist observes that all of the swans around him are white, therefore, he concludes that all swans in the world are white.

4. Focus: Be very clear about the relationship between a valid argument and a true conclusion. The chart above displays the relationship between the validity of logic and its true conclusion. As you can see, when the logic is valid and the conclusion is true, it is correct. When the logic is invalid, the conclusions may be true or false.

5. Quiz Time!One Question for all! Hypothetically, the squirrel population in Aurora, Ohio is completely all black squirrels. Young Troy observed that all squirrels in the area are black, and now makes the conclusion that all squirrels in the world are black. This is and example of: A. Deductive reasoning B. Inductive reasoning C. Both A & B