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• All humans are mortal
• Socrates is a man
• Therefore, Socrates is mortal

In inductive reasoning, on the other hand, when the premises are true, then the conclusion follows with some degree of probability. This method of reasoning is ampliative, as it gives more information than what was contained in the premises. A classical example comes from David Hume.

• The sun rose to the east every morning
• Therefore, the sun will rise to the east tomorrow.

A third method of reasoning is called abductive reasoning, or inference to the best explanation. This method is more complex in its structure and can involve both inductive and deductive arguments. The main characteristic of abduction is that it is an attempt to favor one conclusion above others by either attempting to falsify alternative explanation, and showing the likelyhood of the favored conclusion given a set of more or less disputable assumptions. It is a form of wholistic reasoning which is not syntactically valid.

These method of reasoning are of interest to such disciplines as philosophy, logic, psychology, and artificial intelligence.

1 See also

• Casuistry
• Evidence
• Objective reasoning
• Subjective reasoning
• Logic
• Inference
• Categorical syllogism

2 References

• Zarefsky, David . "Formal and Informal Argument: Lecture 3," Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning Part I, The Teaching Company.
• Zarefsky, David. "Reasoning from Parts to Whole: Lecture 10," Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning Part I, The Teaching Company.