What is deduction? Deductive inference

With the help of deduction, truth is revealed both in the natural sciences and in everyday life. People use the ability to reason logically, which is generally understood as deduction in everyday life, at work, in games, and other activities not related to science. The logic of science explores these processes. Deduction, on the other hand, is based on isolating from the general propositions of the particular by way of logically processed conclusions. For a better understanding of the subject of discussion, it is necessary to understand what deduction is and to study all the moments associated with it.

What is the conclusion?

First you need to understand what is the conclusion. Logic considers this concept as a form of thinking in which a new proposition (i.e., a conclusion or conclusion) is born from several assumptions (forms of judgments).

For instance:

1. All living organisms consume moisture.
2. Absolutely all plants are living organisms.
3. Conclusion - all plants use moisture.

So, the first and second judgment in this example is a message, and the third is a conclusion (conclusion). The incorrectness of one of the messages can lead to a false conclusion. If the messages are not interconnected, a conclusion cannot be drawn.

The conclusions are divided into indirect and direct. In the latter, the conclusion is drawn from one message. That is, they are transformed by simple judgments.

In indirect conclusions, the analysis of several messages leads to the conclusion. Such conclusions are divided into three types: deductive, inductive and conclusions by analogy. Let's consider each of them.

Deductive inference

Inference based on deduction provides for the conclusion for a particular case from the general rule.

For instance:

1. Monkeys love bananas.
2. Lucy is a monkey.
3. Inference: Lucy loves bananas.

In this example, the first message is a general rule, in the second - a special case is included in the general rule and, as a consequence, a conclusion is drawn on this basis regarding this particular case. If all monkeys love bananas, and Lucy is one of them, then she also loves them. The example clearly explains what deduction is. This is a movement from greater to lesser, from general to particular, in which the aspect of knowledge narrows, provoking a reliable conclusion.

Inductive inference

The opposite of deductive is inductive inference, in which a general pattern is derived from some special cases.

For instance:

1. Vasya has a head.
2. Petya has a head.
3. Kolya has a head.
4. Vasya, Petya and Kolya are people.
5. Inference - all people have a head.

In this case, the first three messages are special cases generalized by the fourth to a single class of objects, and in conclusion we are talking about a general rule for all objects of this class. In contrast to deduction, in inductive conclusions the argument goes from lesser to more, from particular to general, therefore, the conclusions are not reliable, but probabilistic. Indeed, transferring particular cases to the general group is fraught with errors, since in any cases there may be exceptions. The probabilistic nature of induction is, of course, a minus, but there is a huge plus in comparison with deduction. What is deduction? This is a judgment that works on narrowing knowledge, its concretization, analysis and analysis of known facts. Induction, on the contrary, induces the expansion of knowledge, the creation of something new, the synthesis of new conclusions and judgments.

Analogy

The next type of inference is based on analogy, that is, the similarity of objects among themselves is estimated. If objects are similar in any way, their similarity is allowed in the rest.

An example of inference by analogy is the test of large vessels in the basin, in which their properties are mentally transferred to the open water expanses of the seas and oceans. The same principle is followed when studying the properties of micromodels of bridges.

It should be remembered that the conclusions of analogy, like induction, are probabilistic.

What is the use of deduction?

As already mentioned at the beginning of the article, deductive inference can be made by anyone in the process of life, and such conclusions affect many areas of life beyond scientific. The deductive way of thinking is very useful for law enforcement, investigative and judicial officials (for the “Sherlocks” of our time).

But no matter what a person does, deduction is always useful. In professional activities, it will allow you to make the most rational and competent far-sighted decisions, in school - to quickly and more thoroughly master the subject, and in everyday life - it is better to build relationships with people and understand others.

Methods for the development of deduction

Many people today are striving for self-development and, as a rule, come to understand the importance of having high-quality deductive thinking. How to develop deduction?

The development of deduction can be promoted by special games, as well as the introduction of a new way of thinking in everyday life. The main tips for its development can be arranged in the following blocks:

1. Awakening interest. Any material that is being studied should be of interest. This will allow you to better understand all the subtleties of the subject and achieve the desired level of understanding.
2. Depth of study. You cannot study subjects superficially, only a thorough analysis will give a positive result.
3. Wide horizons. People with developed thinking often have knowledge in many areas of life - culture, music, sports, science, etc.
4. The flexibility of thinking. What is deduction without the flexibility of thinking? This is an almost useless attribute. In order to develop such flexibility, it is necessary to try to bypass all recognized ways and schemes, to find new aspects of the vision of the issue that will prompt a correct and sometimes unexpected solution. A critical approach to even the most ordinary and familiar situations will make it possible to make an optimal and, what is very important, independent decision.
5. Combination. Try to think at the same time in different ways - combine inductive and deductive inference.