Understanding the Purposes of Deductive and Inductive Arguments

For this journal assignment, briefly answer each of the following prompts:

Inference: The differing meanings of “valid inference” and “warranted inference” are closely related to the differing purposes of deductive and inductive arguments – the purpose of deductive being to prove; the purpose of inductive to make the conclusion most probable.
Look up the words “valid” and “warranted.” Each of these words, you will find, has what is known as a lexical definition – that is just the dictionary definition of the word. Words also have a certain connotations – meanings that go beyond their lexical definitions; associated ideas and concepts – think of terms such a “fur baby” as the name for a pet.
Briefly discuss how the lexical definitions and connotations of “valid” and “warranted” can help us understand the differing purposes of deductive and inductive arguments.
Fallacies: In Section 8.2, the text states that there are “fallacious argument templates” (Facione & Gittens, p. 167) and then gives a number of examples. The authors further state: “Analysis of the meanings of the terms used and the grammatical rules of the language reveal the source of error” (p.167).
Choose one of the fallacies in this section, such as Denying the Antecedent or False Classification and pair it with the valid argument template. For example, if you choose Denying the Antecedent, the valid argument template will be Denying the Consequent. False Classification would pair with one of the fallacies in Reasoning About Classes of Objects.
Explain, in your own words, how the fallacy is revealed through analysis of the valid argument template. Think of it this way – if you know how the heart works, you will know that certain malfunctions will prevent it from working. For example, if you know that the coronary arteries supply the heart with blood, then you can reason that a blockage will stop that vital flow. So this journal prompt asks you to explain, in your own words, how one of the valid argument templates work – and how that exposes the fallacy connected with that type of argument.
Civic Responsibility: At the end of Chapter 9 there is a Bonus Exercise that asks you to research and analyze the 2009 debate over the healthcare public option. If you were actually to complete that exercise, it would take quite a bit of time and effort.
Do you think that completing such an exercise would be time well spent or time wasted? If well-spent, why? If time wasted, why?
Is there any issue on which you think a comparable amount of time and effort would be worthwhile?
As a critical thinker, do you believe that citizens have an obligation to be informed on topics of current interest? If yes, why, if no, why not?
If you include references to outside sources (beyond the textbook), make sure you cite them properly.

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Journal Assignment Responses

Understanding the Purposes of Deductive and Inductive Arguments

Valid vs. Warranted Inference

The terms “valid” and “warranted” have both lexical definitions and connotations that can help us grasp the differing purposes of deductive and inductive arguments. “Valid” is defined as sound or well-grounded, while “warranted” means to provide justification or authorization. In the context of arguments, a valid inference in deductive reasoning is one where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises, aiming to prove a statement true beyond doubt. On the other hand, a warranted inference in inductive reasoning aims to make the conclusion most probable based on the available evidence, allowing for some level of uncertainty.

Fallacies and Argument Templates

Let’s consider the fallacy of False Cause, which could be paired with the valid argument template of Causal Reasoning. False Cause occurs when one incorrectly assumes that because two events are correlated, one caused the other. By analyzing the valid argument template of Causal Reasoning, which requires a clear causal link between events, it becomes evident that False Cause exposes the error of assuming causation without proper evidence. Just as knowing how a healthy heart functions helps identify issues that may impede its performance, understanding valid argument templates aids in recognizing fallacies like False Cause.

Civic Responsibility

Completing an exercise like researching and analyzing the 2009 healthcare public option debate can be time well spent as it enhances civic engagement, critical thinking skills, and understanding of complex societal issues. Investing time in such endeavors fosters informed decision-making and active citizenship, contributing to a more knowledgeable and participatory society. Issues that require a comparable amount of time and effort could include climate change, social justice reforms, or international relations, where informed perspectives are crucial for meaningful progress.

As a critical thinker, I believe that citizens have an obligation to be informed on topics of current interest. Informed citizens are better equipped to engage in democratic processes, hold authorities accountable, and advocate for policies that benefit society as a whole. Being well-informed empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to public discourse, promote social change, and uphold the principles of a democratic society.

References

– Facione, P. A., & Gittens, C. A. (2016). Think Critically. Pearson.

 

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