induction definition in essay writing

Academic Writing / Online Writing Instruction

Inductive vs. Deductive Writing

by Purdue Global Academic Success Center and Writing Center · Published February 25, 2015 · Updated February 24, 2015

Dr. Tamara Fudge, Kaplan University professor in the School of Business and IT

There are several ways to present information when writing, including those that employ inductive and deductive reasoning . The difference can be stated simply:

Inductive reasoning presents facts and then wraps them up with a conclusion .
Deductive reasoning presents a thesis statement and then provides supportive facts or examples.

Which should the writer use? It depends on content, the intended audience , and your overall purpose .

If you want your audience to discover new things with you , then inductive writing might make sense. Here is n example:

My dog Max wants to chase every non-human living creature he sees, whether it is the cats in the house or rabbits and squirrels in the backyard. Sources indicate that this is a behavior typical of Jack Russell terriers. While Max is a mixed breed dog, he is approximately the same size and has many of the typical markings of a Jack Russell. From these facts along with his behaviors, we surmise that Max is indeed at least part Jack Russell terrier.

Within that short paragraph, you learned about Max’s manners and a little about what he might look like, and then the concluding sentence connected these ideas together. This kind of writing often keeps the reader’s attention, as he or she must read all the pieces of the puzzle before they are connected.

Purposes for this kind of writing include creative writing and perhaps some persuasive essays, although much academic work is done in deductive form.

If your audience is not likely going to read the entire written piece, then deductive reasoning might make more sense, as the reader can look for what he or she wants by quickly scanning first sentences of each paragraph. Here is an example:

My backyard is in dire need of cleaning and new landscaping. The Kentucky bluegrass that was planted there five years ago has been all but replaced by Creeping Charlie, a particularly invasive weed. The stone steps leading to the house are in some disrepair, and there are some slats missing from the fence. Perennials were planted three years ago, but the moles and rabbits destroyed many of the bulbs, so we no longer have flowers in the spring.

The reader knows from the very first sentence that the backyard is a mess! This paragraph could have ended with a clarifying conclusion sentence; while it might be considered redundant to do so, the scientific community tends to work through deductive reasoning by providing (1) a premise or argument – which could also be called a thesis statement, (2) then evidence to support the premise, and (3) finally the conclusion.

Purposes for this kind of writing include business letters and project documents, where the client is more likely to skim the work for generalities or to hunt for only the parts that are important to him or her. Again, scientific writing tends to follow this format as well, and research papers greatly benefit from deductive writing.

Whether one method or another is chosen, there are some other important considerations. First, it is important that the facts/evidence be true. Perform research carefully and from appropriate sources; make sure ideas are cited properly. You might need to avoid absolute words such as “always,” “never,” and “only,” because they exclude any anomalies. Try not to write questions: the writer’s job is to provide answers instead. Lastly, avoid quotes in thesis statements or conclusions, because they are not your own words – and thus undermine your authority as the paper writer.

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by Purdue Global Academic Success Center and Writing Center · Published October 26, 2016 · Last modified April 8, 2020

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by Purdue Global Academic Success Center and Writing Center · Published June 10, 2015

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[…] begin with alarming statistics and the urgency of action. However, articles often transition into inductive storytelling by featuring firsthand accounts of climate-related events or interviews with affected communities. […]

Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of induction.

Induction starts with specific facts and draws conclusions, which may be right or wrong. This is a type of reasoning that assumes that given premises strongly lead to a certain conclusion, but there is not enough evidence to make this conclusion definite, only probable. The danger of inductive reasoning is that it is uncertain and often simplistic, and can lead to certain types of fallacy and over-generalization. However, it can lead to accurate conclusions as well, though one must always be careful to understand that the conclusion is not necessarily true.

The word induction comes from the Latin word inductio , which means “a leading in, introduction, admission.”

Difference Between Induction, Deduction, and Abduction

The definition of induction is similar to that of deduction and abduction as they are all methods of reasoning. However, whereas induction starts with known instances and arrives at a generalization, deduction involves a general principle or principles and arrives at a specific fact. This is an important distinction, because induction is much more vulnerable to fallacies while deduction leads to logically certain conclusions.

Abduction is similar to induction as they both arise from specific observations. In abductive reasoning, however, the logician attempts to create a simple theory that could explain the observation without making an overall generalization. The conclusion that abductive reasoning draws may not be true, but instead it is an inference that leads to the best possible explanation given the circumstances.

Common Examples of Induction

We use inductive reasoning frequently in daily life, for better or worse. Here are some common examples of inductive reasoning:

I got coffee once at the cafe and it was horrible, so all of their coffee must be terrible.
She’s been married twice and divorced twice; she must be a difficult wife.
This winter is colder than ever, therefore global warming must not be real.

Significance of Induction in Literature

There are some examples of induction in literature, especially where there are courtroom scenes, or where characters try to reason through a problem. In some mystery novels a red herring will lead to induction that guides the characters off course. However, we also sometimes use induction examples in our own reading experience. We may read about one character and generalize from their specific behavior toward all people like them. For example, if you’d only read a few novels, and one of them included a character from China, you might use inductive reasoning to assume that all characters or ever people from China would act and think similarly. This leads to the importance of reading literature widely, so as to avoid the sense that there is only “one story” when it comes to any group of people.

Examples of Induction in Literature

The witnesses for the state, with the exception of the sheriff of Maycomb County, have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption—the evil assumption—that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber. “Which, gentlemen, we know is in itself a lie as black as Tom Robinson’s skin, a lie I do not have to point out to you. You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women—black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men.

( To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

Atticus Finch, the father of the protagonist and narrator, is the defense lawyer in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird . He is defending a man named Tom Robinson, who is clearly innocent of the crime he’s accused of. Atticus uses the fact that Tom is right-handed and that the beating in question was inflicted by a left-handed person to prove this. However, he goes further here to show that the only case against Tom is based on inductive reasoning. The prosecutors are trying to use inductive reasoning to prove, as Atticus says, “that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women.” This is a dangerous example of induction, because it will lead to incriminating an innocent man.

GUILDENSTERN: It must be indicative of something, besides the redistribution of wealth. (He muses.) List of possible explanations. One: I’m willing it. Inside where nothing shows, I’m the essence of a man spinning double-headed coins, and betting against himself in private atonement for an unremembered past. (He spins a coin at ROS.) ROSENCRANTZ: Heads. GUILDENSTERN: Two: time has stopped dead, and a single experience of one coin being spun once has been repeated ninety times… (He flips a coin, looks at it, tosses it to ROS.) On the whole, doubtful. Three: divine intervention, that is to say, a good turn from above concerning him, cf. children of Israel, or retribution from above concerning me, cf. Lot’s wife. Four: a spectacular vindication of the principle that each individual coin spun individually (he spins one) is as likely to come down heads as tails and therefore should cause no surprise that each individual time it does. (It does. He tosses it to ROS.)

( Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard)

In Tom Stoppard’s absurdist play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead , the two main characters are confronted with the bizarre occurrence of a penny being flipped and landing on heads ninety-two times in a row. In this excerpt Guildenstern begins to use inductive reasoning to understand what might be happening, and arrives at different fallacious conclusions until he his fourth conclusion, which can be the only one supported with logic.

“Blasted thing,” Snape was saying. “How are you supposed to keep your eyes on all three heads at once?” …. “You know what this means?” [Harry Potter] finished breathlessly. “He tried to get past that three-headed dog at Halloween! That’s where he was going when we saw him—he’s after whatever it’s guarding! And I’d bet my broomstick he let that troll in, to make a diversion!”

( Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling)

In the first installment of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the protagonist Harry makes a few enemies, including his teacher, Professor Snape. He knows that Snape hates him and treats him cruelly. However, he uses these small, personal experiences to extrapolate that Snape is indeed evil and must be trying to break in to a secret room in Hogwarts Castle. In this induction example, Harry uses his own personal grudge to lead to the false conclusion that Snape is in cahoots with Lord Voldemort.

Test Your Knowledge of Induction

1. Which of the following statements is the correct induction definition? A. A type of reasoning which leads from specific incidents and attempts to make a broader generalization. B. A manner of thinking in which general principles are are applied to specific situations to understand them. C. A type of fallacy in which the reasoning has no basis in reality.

2. Which of the following statements is true? A. The conclusions reached from inductive reasoning are always true. B. The conclusions reached from deductive reasoning are never true. C. The conclusions reached from inductive reasoning may be true, but are not necessarily so.

3. Consider the following quote from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series:

“How do I know that you have been getting yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and careless servant girl?” …. “It is simplicity itself,” said he; “my eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey.”

What type of reasoning does Sherlock Holmes employ in this example? A. Inductive reasoning: Holmes notices small things and makes sweeping generalizations based on them. B. Abductive reasoning: Holmes makes intelligent observations and creates a theory of what was most likely to have happened. C. Deductive reasoning: Holmes sees larger principles at work and deduces a logically certain conclusion.

Definition of Induction

Induction is known as a conclusion reached through reasoning. An inductive statement is derived using facts and instances which lead to the formation of a general opinion. Though all the facts upon which the conclusion is based are true, there is still a chance of the conclusion reached being false. This type of reasoning goes from specific facts to a general statement.

An inductive statement is of two types: a strong inductive statement, or a weak inductive statement. It depends on its authenticity. A strong statement has the possibility of being false, but it is very unlikely. There is a very high probability that it is true. When it comes to weak inductive statements, they have conclusions which are very unlikely to be true, and the reasons are weak enough that the conclusion is not probable.

It is not possible to exactly measure the strength of a statement, but it is possible to measure it in degrees. For a statement to be strong, it should be more probable when compared to being improbable, and should have a strong factual ground on which it is based. There are four different categories of inductive reasoning, namely inductive generalization, statistical syllogism , simple induction, and argument from analogy .

Induction Examples

Example #1:.

“This marble from the bag is black. That marble from the bag is black. A third marble from the bag is black. Therefore all the marbles in the bag are black.”

The statement above is an example of inductive reasoning. Since the first marble from the bag was black, the second was black, and the third was black, the conclusion reached is that all the marbles in the bag are black. Unless there were only those three marbles in the bag, this conclusion may not be true.

Example #2:

“I counted five or six people with green eyes; therefore all of the people have green eyes.”

This statement is an example of inductive generalization which uses evidence about a limited number of things to make an overall assumption of most things of that type. The authentication of this type of a statement depends on the number of things used to make the assumption and the total number of things.

Example #3:

“Sam is a bus driver. All drivers drive at 30 mph, therefore Sam drives at 30 mph.”

This statement is an example of statistical syllogism, which begins from a general statement and ends with a conclusion about an individual.

Example #4:

“John and David are brothers. John likes to eat Pizza and Hamburgers. David likes to eat Pizza. Therefore, one assumes that David also likes to eat Hamburgers.”

This statement is an example of an argument from analogy, which begins by the noting of two or more properties and drawing the conclusion that they must share some additional properties.

Example #5:

“All the kids in the park can jump; therefore, Ilene’s kid can jump also.”

This statement is an example of simple induction. These types of statements begin with evidence of a group and leads to a conclusion about an individual. This statement begins with an assumption about all kids, then comes down to applying that assumption to “Ilene’s kid,” which is one specific child.

Example #6:

“Around 80 percent of the girls wore heels, Jane is a girl. Therefore, Jane wore heels.”

This statement is an example of a strong inductive statement.

Example #7:

“Some actors are girls. Tom is a boy. Therefore, Tom is an actor.”

This statement is an example of a weak inductive statement.

Example #8:

“There are 15 clips in the bag; in a random draw 12 are pink. Therefore, all clips in the bag are pink.”

This is a strong inductive statement, as it is logical and the probability of it being true is greater than it being false.

Function of Induction

Induction is used to predict what may happen in the future, and establish a possibility of what may happen next. Inductive statements allow you to establish probability and prepare accordingly. At the same time, they also allow you to argue a point without having to actually prove the fact. They can only prove to be right or wrong following further research and observation. Inductive statements are used in everyday life as well. In fact, we all use inductive statements in everyday life to prove our point when talking about the weather, about other people, and even general situations.

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Inductive essays: tips, examples, and topics, carla johnson.

June 14, 2023
Essay Topics and Ideas , How to Guides

Inductive essays are a common type of academic writing. To come to a conclusion, you have to look at the evidence and figure out what it all means. Inductive essays start with a set of observations or evidence and then move toward a conclusion. Deductive essays start with a thesis statement and then give evidence to support it. This type of essay is often used in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.

The goal of an inductive essay is to look at the evidence and draw a conclusion from it. It requires carefully analyzing and interpreting the evidence and being able to draw logical conclusions from it. Instead of starting with a conclusion in mind and trying to prove it, the goal is to use the evidence to build a case for that conclusion.

You can’t say enough about how important it is to look at evidence before coming to a conclusion. In today’s world, where information is easy to find and often contradictory, it is important to be able to sort through the facts to come to a good decision. It is also important to be able to tell when the evidence isn’t complete or doesn’t prove anything, and to be able to admit when there is uncertainty.

In the sections that follow, we’ll talk about some tips for writing good inductive essays, show you some examples of good inductive essays, and give you some ideas for topics for your next inductive essay. By the end of this article, you’ll know more about how to write an inductive essay well.

What You'll Learn

Elements of an Inductive Essay

Most of the time, an inductive essay has three main parts: an intro, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The introduction should explain what the topic is about and show the evidence that will be looked at in the essay . It should also have a thesis statement that sums up the conclusion that will be drawn from the evidence.

In the body paragraphs, you should show and explain the evidence. Each paragraph should focus on one piece of evidence and explain how it supports the thesis statement . The analysis should make sense and be well-supported, and there should be a clear link between the evidence and the conclusion.

In the conclusion, you should sum up the evidence and the conclusion you came to based on it. It should also put the conclusion in a bigger picture by explaining why it’s important and what it means for the topic at hand.

How to Choose a Topic for an Inductive Essay

It can be hard to choose a topic for an inductive essay, but there are a few things you can do that will help.

First, it’s important to look at the assignment prompt carefully. What’s the question you’re supposed to answer? What evidence do you have to back up your claim? To choose a topic that is both possible and interesting , you need to understand the prompt and the evidence you have.

Next, brainstorming can be a good way to come up with ideas. Try writing down all the ideas that come to mind when you think about the prompt. At this point, it doesn’t matter if the ideas are good or not. The goal is to come up with as many ideas as possible.

Once you have a list of possible topics , it’s important to pick one that you can handle and that you’re interested in. Think about how big the topic is and if you will have enough time to analyze the evidence in enough depth for the assignment . Also, think about your own passions and interests. If you choose a topic that really interests you, you are more likely to write a good essay .

Some potential topics for an inductive essay include:

– The impact of social media on mental health

– The effectiveness of alternative medicine for treating chronic pain

– The causes of income inequality in the United States

– The relationship between climate change and extreme weather events

– The effects of video game violence on children

By following these tips for choosing a topic and understanding the elements of an inductive essay, you can master the art of this type of academic writing and produce compelling and persuasive essays that draw on evidence to arrive at sound conclusions.

Inductive Essay Outline

An outline can help you to organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay is well-structured. An inductive essay outline typically includes the following sections:

– Introduction: The introduction should provide background information on the topic and present the evidence that will be analyzed in the essay . It should also include a thesis statement that summarizes the conclusion that will be drawn from the evidence.

– Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs should present the evidence and analyze it in depth. Each paragraph should focus on a specific piece of evidence and explain how it supports the thesis statement . The analysis should be logical and well-supported, with clear connections made between the evidence and the conclusion.

– Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the evidence and the conclusion that was drawn from it. It should also provide a broader context for the conclusion, explaining why it matters and what implications it has for the topic at hand.

Inductive Essay Structure

The structure of an inductive essay is similar to that of other types of academic essays. It typically includes the following elements:

– Thesis statement: The thesis statement should summarize the conclusion that will be drawn from the evidence and provide a clear focus for the essay .

– Introduction: The introduction should provide background information on the topic and present the evidence that will be analyzed in the essay. It should also include a thesis statement that summarizes the conclusion that will be drawn from the evidence.

– Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs should present the evidence and analyze it in depth. Each paragraph should focus on a specific piece of evidence and explain how it supports the thesis statement. The analysis should be logical and well-supported, with clear connections made between the evidence and the conclusion.

It is important to note that the body paragraphs can be organized in different ways depending on the nature of the evidence and the argument being made. For example, you may choose to organize the paragraphs by theme or chronologically. Regardless of the organization, each paragraph should be focused and well-supported with evidence.

By following this structure, you can ensure that your inductive essay is well-organized and persuasive, drawing on evidence to arrive at a sound conclusion. Remember to carefully analyze the evidence, and to draw logical connections between the evidence and the conclusion. With practice, you can master the art of inductive essays and become a skilled academic writer.

Inductive Essay Examples

Examples of successful inductive essays can provide a helpful model for your own writing. Here are some examples of inductive essay topics:

– Example 1: The Link Between Smoking and Lung Cancer: This essay could look at the studies and statistics that have been done on the link between smoking and lung cancer and come to a conclusion about how strong it is.

– Example 2: The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health: This essay could look at the studies and personal experiences that have been done on the effects of social media on mental health to come to a conclusion about the effects of social media on mental health.

– Example 3: The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture: This essay could look at the studies and expert opinions on the effects of climate change on agriculture to come to a conclusion about how it might affect food production..

– Example 4: The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet: This essay could look at the available evidence about the benefits of a plant-based diet, using studies and dietary guidelines to come to a conclusion about the health benefits of this type of diet.

– Example 5: The Effects of Parenting Styles on Child Development: This essay could look at the studies and personal experiences that have been done on the effects of parenting styles on child development and come to a conclusion about the best way to raise a child.

Tips for Writing an Effective Inductive Essay

Here are some tips for writing acompelling and effective inductive essay:

1. Presenting evidence in a logical and organized way: It is important to present evidence in a clear and organized way that supports the thesis statement and the conclusion. Use topic sentences and transitions to make the connections between the evidence and the conclusion clear for the reader.

2. Considering alternative viewpoints: When analyzing evidence, it is important to consider alternative viewpoints and opinions. Acknowledge counterarguments and address them in your essay, demonstrating why your conclusion is more compelling.

3. Using strong and credible sources: Use credible sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles , statistics, and expert opinions to support your argument. Avoid relying on unreliable sources or anecdotal evidence.

4. Avoiding fallacies and biases: Be aware of logical fallacies and biases that can undermine the credibility of your argument. Avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions without sufficient evidence.

By following these tips, you can write an effective inductive essay that draws on evidence to arrive at a sound conclusion. Remember to carefully analyze the evidence, consider alternative viewpoints, and use credible sources to support your argument. With practice and dedication, you can master the art of inductive essays and become a skilled academic writer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is an inductive essay.

An inductive essay is an academic writing that starts with a set of observations or evidence and then works towards a conclusion. The essay requires careful analysis and interpretation of evidence, and the ability to draw logical conclusions based on that evidence.

2. What are the elements of an inductive essay?

An inductive essay typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction provides background information and presents the thesis statement. The body paragraphs present the evidence and analyze it in depth. The conclusion summarizes the evidence and the conclusion drawn from it.

3. How do I choose a topic for an inductive essay?

To choose a topic for an inductive essay, carefully analyze the assignment prompt, brainstorm ideas, narrow down the topic, and select a topic that interests you.

4. What is the difference between an inductive essay and a deductive essay?

An inductive essay starts with evidence and works towards a conclusion, while a deductive essay starts with a thesis statement and provides arguments to support it.

5. How do I structure an inductive essay?

An inductive essay typically follows a structure that includes a thesis statement, introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Inductive essays are an important type of academic writing that require careful analysis and interpretation of evidence to come to a conclusion. By using the advice in this article, you can become a good inductive essay writer. Remember to carefully look at the evidence, think about other points of view, use reliable sources, and stay away from logical errors and biases. In conclusion , learning how to write inductive essays is important for developing critical thinking skills and making arguments that are compelling and convincing. You can make a valuable contribution to your field of study and to society as a whole by looking at the facts and coming to logical conclusions. With practice and hard work , you can learn to write good inductive essays that will help you in school and in your career.

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Inductive Order and Inductive Reasoning refer to the practice of deriving general principles, claims, and theories from specific instances and observations. When employing an inductive approach, rhetors move

from specific instances to a general conclusion
from from data to theory
from observations of particular instances to premises about what those events mean.

Inductive Writing is a style of prose fueled by induction. Writing described as inductive or indirect

provides the thesis or research question at the conclusion of the text
leaves it up to the reader to derive a conclusion.
shows rather than tells.
presents tentative hypotheses and limit the generalizability of knowledge clams
is reflective and thoughtful in tone
embrace ambiguity, nuance.

Inductive Order and Inductive Reasoning are sometimes referred to as

a bottom-up approach rather than t op-down ( deductive ) or
hypothesis-generating rather than hypothesis testing (deductive).

The human mind seeks order from chaos. As we engage with the world, we constantly derive abstractions from observations:

When we read texts, we engage in inductive analysis: we look at each passage, read line-by-line, and then we draw a conclusion about the validity, significance and quality of the text.
When we engage in discussions with colleagues, we watch who listens, who rephrases accurately ours and peers’ comments, and who inevitably undermines or misrepresents what we say. Thereafter, we make assumptions about the character of our colleagues.
When we receive feedback from to critics (bosses, clients, editors, teachers) we analyze the feedback into types of feedback (e.g., Really Important; Off Topic, But Interesting; Gotta Do This. This is B.S.! ). In other words, we move from particular instances to the abstract: we categorize feedback, make judgments about what criteria those readers cared most about, and seek insights regarding priorities for revision.

We use inductive reasoning almost incessantly. Consider, for example, how we learn about genres in school and workplace on texts: after engaging in sustained reading within a discipline or profession, we notice repetitive patterns in the documents we read. For instance, when it comes to résumés, we notice from templates and samples on the internet that others avoid full sentences and the first person. That’s learning.

While inductive reasoning informs much of our thinking on a daily basis, it’s more common to use a deductive writing style rather than an inductive one. Our attention spans are really stretched by modern life: we receive texts, emails, and various app alerts that are tracking our health and fitness. Mass Media barrages us with a never-ending stream of national and international events. And then there’s work and school. Thus, it’s not surprising that most readers want to be told what a text is about and how it’s organized from the get go.

But it would be an overstatement to say that inductive writing has no place in school and workplace writing. The following rhetorical situations are particularly receptive to documents organized inductively:

Bad News. Using a deductive order in a bad-news situation would be cruel. Instead, before firing someone or reprimanding them or turning them down for something, we want to shafe with them that the situation was competitive, that there were loads of excellent submissions, that we considered sharing bad news, rhetors
Controversial Topics. When writing documents that address controversial issues or matters that threaten the beliefs of their readers, writers may find it strategic to place their arguments in their conclusions rather than their introductions. For instance, if you were writing to support universal health care in the U.S. and you approached a republican seeking support, you would probably have more luck if you shared your personal struggles with health care or in other ways humanized the issue rather than launching immediately in your thesis: that the U.S should adopt universal health care.
Qualitative Research, especially grounded theory (Glaser and Strauss) . Some ethnographers, case study researchers, and journalistic interviewers enter projects seeking to develop a hypothesis that is grounded in the rhetorical situation as opposed to the theories that inform past scholarship in a discipline

Related Concepts

Flow, Coherence, Unity Flow and Coherence are more challenging to achieve using an inductive rather than a deductive approach.
Organizational Schema & Logical Reasoning Inductive order is an element of organizational schema.
Sentence Order within Paragraphs Writers may employ inductive or deductive order to organize sentences in within paragraphs
Thesis, Research Question, Title Inductive writing tends to introduce the thesis or research question in the conclusion of the text.

Brevity - Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing

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25 Academic Writing – Sound and Valid Argument

Academic speak – clarification.

When reading about academic writing you will sometimes come across a set of words that seem to be used somewhat interchangeably and even randomly at times. So, just to set the record straight:

Claim / assertion / premise / proposition are all statements that require support either to justify them or prove their soundness. They need further evidence. These are the starting point of reasoning.

Position / Thesis identify the stance you are taking on the main topic of the essay and it is generated by the essay question provided by your instructor. In an analytical or critical essay, it may indicate more than one available stance.

Also, some authors refer to the thesis as the premise or proposition. This is not the best description, though it is not completely inaccurate because the thesis statement does need to be supported with sound evidence and valid arguments throughout the essay.

Glossary of Terms

Argument – noun

Logic – a reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action, or theory

Claim – noun (synonyms – premise, assertion, proposition)

an assertion that something is true

Claim – verb

state or assert something, typically without providing evidence or proof

Counter claim – noun

a claim made to rebut a previous claim; refutation of opposing arguments

Deduction – noun

Logic – the act of understanding something, or drawing to a conclusion, based on evidence

Induction – noun

the process or action of bringing about or giving rise to something

Position – noun (synonym – thesis )

the main point or overall argument that is to be proven or justified. It focuses the writer’s ideas and minor arguments

Premise – noun (synonyms – claim, assertion, proposition)

Logic – a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion
a statement in an argument that provides reason or support for the conclusion

Proposition – noun (synonyms – premise, claim, assertion)

Logic – a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion
a statement that expresses a concept that can be true or false

Soundness – noun

the quality of being based on valid reason or good judgment
the soundness of an argument has two qualities 1. valid structure 2. true premises

Validity – noun

Logic – the quality of being justifiable by reason

the conclusion follows from the premises

Introduction to Academic Argument

The capacity to academically argue is a core skill that many students are not taught adequately prior to university writing. Argumentative ability is centered around knowledge. Not only knowledge of a topic, but knowledge of how to write a clear and coherent argument. Basically, an argument is an informed position, on a topic, that you are supporting or defending with sound evidence and valid conclusions. An essay may have one overall argument or position, yet include a series or set of smaller arguments that support or develop the overall position of the writer. This may include evaluating sources or contradictory evidence. The position is stated in the thesis (see Chapter 21 & 26). This position must be supported by sound academic evidence obtained through reading and research.

Suspend Bias

In order to develop sound and valid arguments, students must first suspend their personal judgments or bias on a topic (see Chapter 30). This can be achieved through self-reflection and critical thinking. Academic writing must be clear and objective, and this means you must be open and willing to examine more than one perspective of a topic or argument without preconceived ideas and opinions, without bias. Make a conscious effort to step beyond your own subjectivity and depersonalize both the topic and the supporting evidence. Through critical thinking skills, such as objectivity and analysis, you can begin to closely examine and evaluate sources and the production of knowledge. As a writer, sound and valid reasoning assists you in determining the best evidence to support your own claims and in evaluating the claims of other writers. As an objective writer, you should remain open to other viewpoints, though rely on your critical analysis skills to both identify and write sound and valid academic arguments.

Validity primarily means that in an argument the conclusion follows from the premises. If the premises are true, then the conclusion must also be true. Salva veritate (Latin) means “without loss of truth” – a rule of inference must be truth preserving; it must take one from truths to truths = Validity [1]

Valid Argument

All cats are aliens
Felix is a cat

Therefore, Felix is an alien

This is a valid argument . Hypothetically, if all the premises are true, then the conclusion cannot be false . It is logically impossible for the premises to be true and for the conclusion to be false.

Invalid Argument

Felix is an alien

Therefore, Felix is a cat

This is an invalid argument . Hypothetically, just because Felix is an alien does not guarantee that he is a cat. There may be other types of creatures that are also aliens. However, if the first premise said “ Only cats are aliens”, then the argument would be valid.

Only cats are aliens

This is a valid argument . No individual premise (claim, assertion) is labelled as valid or invalid, only the argument structure as a whole . However, premises can be checked for soundness.

The soundness of an argument relies on two qualities:

1. the structure of the argument is valid (see above)

2. the premises are true and therefore the conclusion is also true.

Hence, Felix is not an alien unless we can provide sound proof (truth or true facts) that support this premise (claim, assertion). We would also need to provide evidence that Felix is indeed a cat! So, while the argument structure may be correct (valid), the premises could be untrue, therefore the premises and overall argument lacks soundness .

Deductive Syllogism

The structure of the above arguments is called a deductive syllogism and it is the the conventional way of displaying or writing a deductive argument:

Premise + Premise = Conclusion

Of course, you can have more than two premises or reasons to support your conclusion. In academic writing the major position is put forward in the thesis statement and the balance of the essay has the task of unpacking the claims and counter-claims surrounding the key arguments and providing supporting evidence. Note also, you should never begin your assignment preparation with a predetermined conclusion in mind (called “jumping to the conclusion”) and work your argument back from that point. Yes, in an essay the thesis is proposed in the introduction, though it is assumed that you arrived at this thesis statement through research and careful consideration of the facts and evidence surrounding the chosen topic. Whereas “jumping to the conclusion” beforehand and attempting to make the evidence fit your thesis is not the actions of an open and critical thinker who responds to evidence found through research. It instead indicates a very determined bias in thinking and academic writing.

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is often defined as the inference from particular to general [2] . It is based on formulating theories through detailed observations. It is useful in scientific fields, however, it presupposes that the future will resemble the past. This type of reasoning moves from evidence to assumptions (about the future) to a claim. The claim cannot be a deductive conclusion, only a generalization from observable evidence and applied assumptions.

You’re in the supermarket and would like to buy a couple of ripe avocados. To determine if they are ripe, you give them a gentle squeeze. After testing three to four from the fruit case, you determine that they are all still too green and decide not to purchase avocados.

Through induction, you have made your own observation , and from the evidence at hand made an assumption – they’re all too green. This is a generalization made using observable evidence and applying an assumption. As you cannot know for certain that every avocado is green, without testing each one, this cannot be a deductive argument. While there may be sufficient evidence to make a decision and therefore, strong inductive reasoning, the reasoning has not been proven true, merely an assumption.

While inductive reasoning may be useful in formulating a scientific hypothesis for further testing, it is not a strong form of reasoning for academic writing.

Good academic writing is founded on your capacity to academically argue from a well-researched and informed perspective, free from subjectivity and personal bias. The deductive syllogism is a good illustration of sound and valid argument structure that is the backbone of all well-written academic discussions.

Watch the video below for further information and examples of deductive and inductive reasoning. Particularly helpful is the middle section on evaluating deductive and inductive arguments / reasoning.

Test your knowledge with five quick questions:

Honderich, T. (Ed.). (2005). The Oxford companion to philosophy (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. ↵
Plumlee, D., & Taverna, J. [Center for Innovation in Legal Education]. (2013, August 24). Episode 1.3: Deductive and inductive arguments. ↵

the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises

a deductive scheme of a formal argument consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion

assertion, maintain as fact

a claim made to rebut a previous claim

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Induction vs Deduction

Read these two scenarios and vote for which trip you’d rather take.

TRIP A (deductive method) Pretend that when you get into my car, I say, “We’ll drive to Chicago on Highway 55 North. We’ll pass Springfield, Bloomington, and Joliet. The whole trip will take about five hours, depending on traffic, so sit back and enjoy the ride!”

TRIP B (inductive method) Pretend that when you get into my car, I say nothing at all about our destination, drive for five hours, and finally announce, “Well, here we are in Chicago!” You could see the general direction we were headed, but could not be certain of the destination until my announcement at the end.

Most students would agree that trip A is preferable. Although the driving time is the same for both trips, they’d know where they were going before they got there! Trip B might seem boring if they found out where they were going only at the end of a long drive.

Explanation

Most academic essays are like a five-hour car trip the author asks readers to take. Readers feel in control knowing in advance where they’re heading. That’s why most composition instructors require the thesis statement in the first paragraph. This is known as the deductive method . Deduction comes from two Latin words meaning “to lead away from.” As a writer, you lead your reader away from the thesis and toward your evidence (facts, statistics, case histories, quotes).

Approximately 95% of what you read follows this method.

Sometimes, an author might want to create suspense by delaying the thesis statement until the end. This is known as the inductive method . Induction comes from two Latin words meaning “to lead into.” As a writer, you lead your reader to the thesis, using the evidence in each paragraph (facts, statistics, case histories, quotes) to slowly build up to the thesis.

Approximately 5% of what you read follows this method.

Two good examples of the inductive method are Aesop’s fables, with the moral (thesis) at the end; and murder mysteries, for which you don’t want to know who did it (thesis) until the end.

In more academic writing, some personal narratives, news editorials, and others use induction to slowly build up to the main point/thesis.

As a writer, you and your instructor should determine what method and placement of the thesis is best for your audience and purpose.

Induction (Logic and Rhetoric)

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

Induction is a method of reasoning that moves from specific instances to a general conclusion . Also called inductive reasoning .

In an inductive argument , a rhetor (that is, a speaker or writer) collects a number of instances and forms a generalization that is meant to apply to all instances. (Contrast with deduction .)

In rhetoric , the equivalent of induction is the accumulation of examples .

Examples and Observations

" Induction operates in two ways. It either advances a conjecture by what are called confirming instances, or it falsifies a conjecture by contrary or disconfirming evidence. A common example is the hypothesis that all crows are black. Each time a new crow is observed and found to be black the conjecture is increasingly confirmed. But if a crow is found to be not black the conjecture is falsified." (Martin Gardner, Skeptical Inquirer , Jan.-Feb., 2002
"If you have trouble remembering the difference between inductive and deductive logic, consider their roots. Induction comes from Latin for 'to induce' or 'to lead.' Inductive logic follows a trail, picking up clues that lead to the end of an argument. Deduction (both in rhetoric and expense accounts) means 'to take away.' Deduction uses a commonplace to pull you away from your current opinion." (Jay Heinrichs, Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion . Three Rivers Press, 2007
" Inductively valid, or correct, arguments, unlike deductively valid ones, have conclusions that go beyond what is contained in their premises . The idea behind valid induction is that of learning from experience . We often observe patterns, resemblances, and other kinds of regularities in our experiences, some quite simple (sugar sweetening coffee), some very complicated (objects moving according to Newton's laws—well, Newton noticed this, anyway)... "Here is a simple example of an inductively valid argument of the kind sometimes called induction by enumeration : I loaned my friend $50 last November and he failed to pay me back. (Premise) I loaned him another $50 just before Christmas, which he hasn't paid back (Premise), and yet another $25 in January, which is still unpaid. (Premise) I suppose it's time to face facts: He's never going to pay me back. (Conclusion) "We use inductive reasoning so frequently in everyday life that its nature generally goes unnoticed." (H. Kahane and N. Cavender, Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric , 1998)

F.D.R.'s Use of Induction

"The following passage comes from Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress on December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor, declaring a state of war between the United States and Japan. Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. (Safire 1997, 142; see also Stelzner 1993) Here, Roosevelt has in effect constructed a comparison that involves six items, and his purpose in doing so appears in the final sentence. His 'therefore' signals that he offers a conclusion supported by the preceding list , and these individual instances have been united as examples for the conclusion on the basis of their parallel form . . . . The argument form here, supporting a generalization with examples, is classically known as induction . In the most direct manner, the six examples of Japanese aggression 'add up' to the conclusion. The list strengthens what was already, on the occasion of Roosevelt's speech, an overwhelming case for war." (Jeanne Fahnestock, Rhetorical Style: The Uses of Language in Persuasion . Oxford Univ. Press, 2011)

The Limits of Rhetorical Induction

"It is important to remember that rhetorical induction does not actually prove anything; it is arguing from the probability that known instances are parallel to and illuminating of those less well known. Whereas full logical induction enumerates all possible instances, the rhetorical argument by example almost always enumerates less than the total. The persuasive impact of such a method of reasoning is increased, of course, as one increases the number of examples."(Donald E. Bushman, "Example." Encyclopedia of Rhetoric and Composition: Communication From Ancient Times to the Information Age , ed. by Theresa Enos. Taylor & Francis, 1996)

Pronunciation: in-DUK-shun

Etymology: From the Latin, "to lead in"

What Is Deductive Reasoning?
Definition and Examples of Syllogisms
Definition and Examples of Valid Arguments
AP English Exam: 101 Key Terms
Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric
What is a Logical Fallacy?
Premise Definition and Examples in Arguments
Propositions in Debate Definition and Examples
Deductive Versus Inductive Reasoning
Logos (Rhetoric)
Definition and Examples of Conclusions in Arguments
paralogism (rhetoric and logic)
FDR's 'Day of Infamy' Speech
expeditio (elimination)
Enthymeme - Definition and Examples

Reading: Logic and Structure

Inductive and deductive reasoning.

Another approach authors might take in presenting non-fiction, academic writing is based in logic. Especially in persuasive argument pieces, authors will present readers with a series of reasons why their thesis is correct.

The relationship between the thesis and the reasons to support that thesis can be introduced in two main ways: through inductive reasoning , and through deductive reasoning . Both are addressed in the video below.

Video: Inductive and Deductive Reasoning. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
Inductive VS Deductive Reasoning by Shmoop. Authored by : Shmoop. Located at : https://youtu.be/VXW5mLE5Y2g . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

Critical & Creative Thinking - OER & More Resources: Inductive Arguments

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Writing an Inductive Argument

How to Write an Effective Inductive Argument
Essay Tips: Inductive Argument Examples

Inductive Argument

Deductive and Inductive Arguments | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

" An inductive argument can be affected by acquiring new premises (evidence), but a deductive argument cannot be. For example , this is a reasonably strong inductive argument : ... If the arguer believes that the truth of the premises definitely establishes the truth of the conclusion, then the argument is deductive."

Examples of Inductive Reasoning (Click link and scroll down for examples)

" The term " inductive reasoning " refers to reasoning that takes specific information and makes a broader generalization that is considered probable, allowing for the fact that the conclusion may not be accurate."

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Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Two ways of understanding.

We have two basic approaches for how we come to believe something is true.

The first way is that we are exposed to several different examples of a situation, and from those examples, we conclude a general truth. For instance, you visit your local grocery store daily to pick up necessary items. You notice that on Friday, two weeks ago, all the clerks in the store were wearing football jerseys. Again, last Friday, the clerks wore their football jerseys. Today, also a Friday, they’re wearing them again. From just these observations, you can conclude that on all Fridays, these supermarket employees will wear football jerseys to support their local team.

This type of pattern recognition, leading to a conclusion, is known as inductive reasoning .

Knowledge can also move the opposite direction. Say that you read in the news about a tradition in a local grocery store, where employees wore football jerseys on Fridays to support the home team. This time, you’re starting from the overall rule, and you would expect individual evidence to support this rule. Each time you visited the store on a Friday, you would expect the employees to wear jerseys.

Such a case, of starting with the overall statement and then identifying examples that support it, is known as deductive reasoning .

Two boxes: General Principle on left, Special Case on right. An arrow above moves from left to right, labeled deductive reasoning. An arrow below moves from right to left, labeled inductive reasoning.

The Power of Inductive Reasoning

You have been employing inductive reasoning for a very long time. Inductive reasoning is based on your ability to recognize meaningful patterns and connections. By taking into account both examples and your understanding of how the world works, induction allows you to conclude that something is likely to be true. By using induction, you move from specific data to a generalization that tries to capture what the data “mean.”

Imagine that you ate a dish of strawberries and soon afterward your lips swelled. Now imagine that a few weeks later you ate strawberries and soon afterwards your lips again became swollen. The following month, you ate yet another dish of strawberries, and you had the same reaction as formerly. You are aware that swollen lips can be a sign of an allergy to strawberries. Using induction, you conclude that, more likely than not, you are allergic to strawberries.

Data : After I ate strawberries, my lips swelled (1st time).

Data : After I ate strawberries, my lips swelled (2nd time).

Data : After I ate strawberries, my lips swelled (3rd time).

Additional Information : Swollen lips after eating strawberries may be a sign of an allergy.

Conclusion : Likely I am allergic to strawberries.

Inductive reasoning can never lead to absolute certainty. Instead, induction allows you to say that, given the examples provided for support, the claim more likely than not is true. Because of the limitations of inductive reasoning, a conclusion will be more credible if multiple lines of reasoning are presented in its support.

The results of inductive thinking can be skewed if relevant data are overlooked. In the previous example, inductive reasoning was used to conclude that I am likely allergic to strawberries after suffering multiple instances of my lips swelling. Would I be as confident in my conclusion if I were eating strawberry shortcake on each of those occasions? Is it reasonable to assume that the allergic reaction might be due to another ingredient besides strawberries?

This example illustrates that inductive reasoning must be used with care. When evaluating an inductive argument, consider

the amount of the data,
the quality of the data,
the existence of additional data,
the relevance of necessary additional information, and
the existence of additional possible explanations.

The Power of Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is built on two statements whose logical relationship should lead to a third statement that is an unquestionably correct conclusion, as in the following example.

All raccoons are omnivores. This animal is a raccoon. This animal is an omnivore.

If the first statement is true (All raccoons are omnivores) and the second statement is true (This animal is a raccoon), then the conclusion (This animal is an omnivore) is unavoidable. If a group must have a certain quality, and an individual is a member of that group, then the individual must have that quality.

Going back to the example from the opening of this page, we could frame it this way:

Grocery store employees wear football jerseys on Fridays. Today is Friday. Grocery store employees will be wearing football jerseys today.

Unlike inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning allows for certainty as long as certain rules are followed.

Evaluating the Truth of a Premise

A formal argument may be set up so that, on its face, it looks logical. However, no matter how well-constructed the argument is, the additional information required must be true. Otherwise any inferences based on that additional information will be invalid.

Inductive reasoning can often be hidden inside a deductive argument. That is, a generalization reached through inductive reasoning can be turned around and used as a starting “truth” a deductive argument. For instance,

Most Labrador retrievers are friendly. Kimber is a Labrador retriever. Therefore, Kimber is friendly.

In this case we cannot know for certain that Kimber is a friendly Labrador retriever. The structure of the argument may look logical, but it is based on observations and generalizations rather than indisputable facts.

Methods to Evaluate the Truth of a Premise

One way to test the accuracy of a premise is to apply the same questions asked of inductive arguments. As a recap, you should consider

the relevance of the additional data, and
the existence of additional possible explanations.

Determine whether the starting claim is based upon a sample that is both representative and sufficiently large, and ask yourself whether all relevant factors have been taken into account in the analysis of data that leads to a generalization.

Another way to evaluate a premise is to determine whether its source is credible.

Are the authors identified?
What is their background?
Was the claim something you found on an undocumented website?
Did you find it in a popular publication or a scholarly one?
How complete, how recent, and how relevant were the studies or statistics discussed in the source?

Overview and Recap

License and Attribution

Definition of Induction

Induction Examples

Example #1:.

“This marble from the bag is black. That marble from the bag is black. A third marble from the bag is black. Therefore all the marbles in the bag are black.”

Example #2:

“I counted five or six people with green eyes; therefore all of the people have green eyes.”

Example #3:

“Sam is a bus driver. All drivers drive at 30 mph, therefore Sam drives at 30 mph.”

This statement is an example of statistical syllogism , which begins from a general statement and ends with a conclusion about an individual.

Example #4:

“John and David are brothers. John likes to eat Pizza and Hamburgers. David likes to eat Pizza. Therefore, one assumes that David also likes to eat Hamburgers.”

This statement is an example of an argument from analogy , which begins by the noting of two or more properties and drawing the conclusion that they must share some additional properties.

Example #5:

“All the kids in the park can jump; therefore, Ilene’s kid can jump also.”

Example #6:

“Around 80 percent of the girls wore heels, Jane is a girl. Therefore, Jane wore heels.”

This statement is an example of a strong inductive statement.

Example #7:

“Some actors are girls. Tom is a boy. Therefore, Tom is an actor.”

This statement is an example of a weak inductive statement.

Example #8:

“There are 15 clips in the bag; in a random draw 12 are pink. Therefore, all clips in the bag are pink.”

This is a strong inductive statement, as it is logical and the probability of it being true is greater than it being false.

Function of Induction

“Inductive” vs. “Deductive”: How To Reason Out Their Differences

What Does Inductive Mean?
What Does Deductive Mean?
Inductive Reasoning Vs. Deductive Reasoning

Inductive and deductive are commonly used in the context of logic, reasoning, and science. Scientists use both inductive and deductive reasoning as part of the scientific method . Fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes are famously associated with methods of deduction (though that’s often not what Holmes actually uses—more on that later). Some writing courses involve inductive and deductive essays.

But what’s the difference between inductive and deductive ? Broadly speaking, the difference involves whether the reasoning moves from the general to the specific or from the specific to the general. In this article, we’ll define each word in simple terms, provide several examples, and even quiz you on whether you can spot the difference.

⚡ Quick summary

Inductive reasoning (also called induction ) involves forming general theories from specific observations. Observing something happen repeatedly and concluding that it will happen again in the same way is an example of inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning (also called deduction ) involves forming specific conclusions from general premises, as in: everyone in this class is an English major; Jesse is in this class; therefore, Jesse is an English major.

What does inductive mean?

Inductive is used to describe reasoning that involves using specific observations, such as observed patterns, to make a general conclusion. This method is sometimes called induction . Induction starts with a set of premises , based mainly on experience or experimental evidence. It uses those premises to generalize a conclusion .

For example, let’s say you go to a cafe every day for a month, and every day, the same person comes at exactly 11 am and orders a cappuccino. The specific observation is that this person has come to the cafe at the same time and ordered the same thing every day during the period observed. A general conclusion drawn from these premises could be that this person always comes to the cafe at the same time and orders the same thing.

While inductive reasoning can be useful, it’s prone to being flawed. That’s because conclusions drawn using induction go beyond the information contained in the premises. An inductive argument may be highly probable , but even if all the observations are accurate, it can lead to incorrect conclusions.

Follow up this discussion with a look at concurrent vs. consecutive .

In our basic example, there are a number of reasons why it may not be true that the person always comes at the same time and orders the same thing.

Additional observations of the same event happening in the same way increase the probability that the event will happen again in the same way, but you can never be completely certain that it will always continue to happen in the same way.

That’s why a theory reached via inductive reasoning should always be tested to see if it is correct or makes sense.

What else does inductive mean?

Inductive can also be used as a synonym for introductory . It’s also used in a more specific way to describe the scientific processes of electromagnetic and electrostatic induction —or things that function based on them.

What does deductive mean?

Deductive reasoning (also called deduction ) involves starting from a set of general premises and then drawing a specific conclusion that contains no more information than the premises themselves. Deductive reasoning is sometimes called deduction (note that deduction has other meanings in the contexts of mathematics and accounting).

Here’s an example of deductive reasoning: chickens are birds; all birds lay eggs; therefore, chickens lay eggs. Another way to think of it: if something is true of a general class (birds), then it is true of the members of the class (chickens).

Deductive reasoning can go wrong, of course, when you start with incorrect premises. For example, look where this first incorrect statement leads us: all animals that lay eggs are birds; snakes lay eggs; therefore, snakes are birds.

The scientific method can be described as deductive . You first formulate a hypothesis —an educated guess based on general premises (sometimes formed by inductive methods). Then you test the hypothesis with an experiment . Based on the results of the experiment, you can make a specific conclusion as to the accuracy of your hypothesis.

You may have deduced there are related terms to this topic. Start with a look at interpolation vs. extrapolation .

Deductive reasoning is popularly associated with detectives and solving mysteries. Most famously, Sherlock Holmes claimed to be among the world’s foremost practitioners of deduction , using it to solve how crimes had been committed (or impress people by guessing where they had been earlier in the day).

However, despite this association, reasoning that’s referred to as deduction in many stories is actually more like induction or a form of reasoning known as abduction , in which probable but uncertain conclusions are drawn based on known information.

Sherlock’s (and Arthur Conan Doyle ’s) use of the word deduction can instead be interpreted as a way (albeit imprecise) of referring to systematic reasoning in general.

What is the difference between inductive vs. deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning involves starting from specific premises and forming a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning involves using general premises to form a specific conclusion.

Conclusions reached via deductive reasoning cannot be incorrect if the premises are true. That’s because the conclusion doesn’t contain information that’s not in the premises. Unlike deductive reasoning, though, a conclusion reached via inductive reasoning goes beyond the information contained within the premises—it’s a generalization , and generalizations aren’t always accurate.

The best way to understand the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning is probably through examples.

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Examples of inductive and deductive reasoning

Examples of inductive reasoning.

Premise: All known fish species in this genus have yellow fins. Conclusion: Any newly discovered species in the genus is likely to have yellow fins.

Premises: This volcano has erupted about every 500 years for the last 1 million years. It last erupted 499 years ago. Conclusion: It will erupt again soon.

Examples of deductive reasoning

Premises: All plants with rainbow berries are poisonous. This plant has rainbow berries. Conclusion: This plant is poisonous.

Premises: I am lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerant people get sick when they consume dairy. This milkshake contains dairy. Conclusion: I will get sick if I drink this milkshake.

Reason your way to the best score by taking our quiz on "inductive" vs. "deductive" reasoning!

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How to Write a Deductive Essay Like Immanuel Kant?

Did you know that Immanuel Kant, an influential 18th-century German philosopher, significantly contributed to how we write a deductive essay today through his groundbreaking work in epistemology and metaphysics? Kant's emphasis on rationalism and the nature of human cognition profoundly impacted the structure and approach to deductive reasoning in academic discourse.

In his seminal work, the "Critique of Pure Reason," Kant explored the relationship between a priori knowledge and deductive rationale, arguing that certain truths are inherent in the structure of human thought. This perspective had a lasting impact on how philosophers and writers approached deductive essays, encouraging a deeper consideration of the inherent principles guiding logical thought processes.

In this article, we will use Kant's insights to show you how to compose engaging deductive essays without straining yourself.

What Is a Deductive Essay

According to the definition, a deductive essay is a form of academic writing that follows a logical and structured approach to presenting an argument or thesis. In this type of essay, the author begins with a general premise or hypothesis and then provides specific evidence and examples to support and validate the initial assertion. The deductive process involves moving from the general to the specific, ultimately leading to a well-founded conclusion.

Unlike inductive reasoning, which derives general principles from specific observations, papers start with a broad statement and work towards a more specific and nuanced understanding. Every essay writer sees the purpose of a deductive essay to convince the reader of the validity of the central claim through a carefully crafted sequence of logical steps and evidence, demonstrating a clear and persuasive line of thought.

Deductive vs Inductive Writing Styles

Deductive and inductive reasoning represent contrasting approaches to logical thinking and are fundamental in shaping the structure of arguments and essays. Deductive writing begins with a general statement or hypothesis and then narrows down to specific conclusions through a series of logical steps. The process is characterized by moving from the broader to the more specific, aiming to demonstrate the inherent truth of the initial proposition. If the general premise in deductive thinking is true and the logical steps are valid, the conclusion is deemed certain. This form of rationale is often associated with formal logic and mathematical proofs, making it a structured and rigorous method for constructing arguments.

On the other hand, the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning starts with specific observations or evidence and moves toward broader generalizations or theories. Unlike deductive logic, inductive arguments do not guarantee the truth of their conclusions. Instead, they aim to establish a likely probability. Inductive writing is prevalent in scientific inquiry, where empirical observations lead to formulating hypotheses and theories. It acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in drawing broad conclusions from specific instances and allows for knowledge development through cumulative evidence and repeated observations. Both deductive and inductive writing styles play vital roles in critical thinking and shaping the persuasive power of various forms of discourse, including essays and academic writing.

Deductive Essay Example

Check out this deductive essay example designed to elucidate the methodology and highlight how deductive reasoning constructs a persuasive argument. Study our analysis of the correlation between smartphone usage and sleep quality to observe the effectiveness of this logical writing approach in practical application. By the way, if you enjoy this example and want a paper of similar quality, try our custom research paper writing solution for a quick and consistent result.

How to Write a Deductive Essay

Writing a deduction essay involves several key aspects contributing to its effectiveness and coherence. By paying attention to these aspects, writers can effectively convey their deductive reasoning, creating essays that are both persuasive and intellectually satisfying.

1. Clear Thesis Statement

Begin with brainstorming deductive essay topics and then presenting a clear and concise thesis statement that conveys the main argument or hypothesis. This statement serves as the foundation for the entire essay and guides the reader in understanding the central claim.

2. Logical Structure

Deductive essays require a well-organized structure that follows a logical progression. Typically, the essay moves from a general premise to specific evidence and then to a conclusive statement. Each paragraph should build upon the previous one, creating a coherent and convincing argument.

3. Evidential Support

Providing strong evidence to support the central thesis is crucial in deductive reasoning. Relevant examples, facts, or data should support each step in the argument. This evidential support enhances the credibility of the essay and strengthens the logical flow of ideas.

4. Clarity in Reasoning

Deduction essays demand clarity in reasoning. Each step in the logical sequence should be explicit and easy for the reader to follow. Avoid ambiguity and ensure that the connections between the general premise, specific evidence, and the conclusion are transparent.

5. Conclusion and Recapitulation

A deductive essay concludes by summarizing the key points and restating the thesis in light of the presented evidence. The conclusion should reaffirm the logical connections established throughout the essay and leave a lasting impression on the reader, reinforcing the validity of the central argument. If you want to learn how to write an essay fast , this guide will definitely help!

What Are Deductive Arguments

Deductive arguments form a category of reasoning where the conclusion logically follows from the premises, providing a form of certainty if the premises are true. These arguments are characterized by moving from the general to the specific, and the structure ensures that if the premises are accurate, the conclusion must be true. In other words, deductive reasoning is concerned with the necessity of the conclusion based on the provided premises. This process mirrors a top-down approach, where a broad statement or hypothesis leads to more specific, grounded outcomes through a series of logical steps.

If you want to really learn how to write deductive essay, presenting a rigid deductive argument is a must-do. If the initial premise is true and the reasoning is valid, the conclusion is considered certain or logically necessary. Deductive arguments are prevalent in mathematics, formal logic, and various scientific disciplines where precision and certainty are essential. Philosophers like Aristotle and later logicians have extensively studied and formalized deductive reasoning, contributing to its prominence in logical discourse.

While deductive arguments offer a high degree of certainty, it is crucial to distinguish them from inductive reasoning. Inductive arguments involve moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and only provide a degree of probability rather than certainty. Deductive reasoning, emphasizing logical necessity, is fundamental in constructing rigorous and convincing arguments in various academic and intellectual domains.

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Structure of a DeducDeductive Essay Structure

Much like a well-orchestrated symphony, a deductive essay unfolds with precision, building from a sweeping general premise to a finely tuned conclusion. This essay structure symbolizes a deliberate journey where each paragraph serves as a stepping stone, leading readers through the intricate maze of deductive reasoning. In the symphony of words, the introduction sets the stage, the body paragraphs harmonize evidence, and the conclusion orchestrates a powerful finale, leaving an indelible imprint of logical prowess. So, let's unravel the layers of how to write an academic essay where persuasion meets the elegance of structured thoughts.

Introduction

The structure of a deduction essay is characterized by a systematic progression from a general premise to a specific conclusion. The essay typically begins with an introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement, presenting the overarching argument. This thesis serves as the foundation for the subsequent development of the essay. Following the introduction, the body paragraphs unfold logically, each contributing to the overall deductive reasoning.

In the body of the essay, each paragraph is dedicated to a specific aspect or piece of evidence that supports the thesis. The writer starts with a general statement, laying out the initial premise, and then presents detailed evidence or examples. These specifics gradually lead the reader toward a more specific and focused understanding of the central argument. The logical progression ensures that each step in the argument is built upon the previous one, creating a coherent and convincing line of reasoning.

The conclusion of a deductive essay serves to summarize the key points and restate the thesis in light of the evidence provided. It reaffirms the logical connections established throughout the essay and emphasizes the validity of the central argument. The essay structure, therefore, mirrors the process of deductive reasoning itself, guiding the reader through a carefully crafted sequence of logical steps to arrive at a well-founded conclusion. This approach is essential for constructing a persuasive and intellectually satisfying composition. To learn more, consult our guide on how to write a conclusion for an essay .

Deductive Essay Key Considerations

Several key considerations merit thoughtful attention to ensure the effectiveness and persuasiveness of the argument presented. One fundamental aspect is the formulation of a clear and well-defined thesis statement. This statement is the guiding beacon for the entire essay, articulating the central premise from which logical deductions will flow. The clarity in the thesis not only aligns the writer's focus but also provides readers with a roadmap for the forthcoming journey of deductive reasoning.

Equally crucial is the logical structure of the essay. Deductive essays demand a systematic arrangement that moves seamlessly from the general to the specific. Each paragraph should be a carefully calibrated step in the logical sequence, building a persuasive case for the validity of the central argument. The interconnection of ideas and the seamless transition from one point to the next contribute significantly to the overall coherence and impact of the essay.

Moreover, the provision of compelling evidential support cannot be overstated. Deductive reasoning hinges on the strength and relevance of the evidence presented. Writers must meticulously select examples, facts, or data that directly support each logical step, reinforcing the argument's credibility. A well-supported deductive essay not only persuades but also instills confidence in the reader regarding the soundness of the conclusion drawn.

Finally, key writing considerations encompass the formulation of a clear thesis, the establishment of a logical structure, and the incorporation of compelling evidence. By addressing these considerations with precision, writers can construct deductive essays that not only showcase intellectual prowess but also leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Deductive Essay Writing Tips

Writing a deductive essay involves presenting a logical argument based on premises and drawing a conclusion. Remember that writing relies on the strength of the logic and evidence presented. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective paper:

1. Understand the Structure:

Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the topic and state the thesis or main argument.
Body Paragraphs: Present your premises separately, providing evidence and supporting details for each.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate the conclusion based on the premises.

2. Cogitate a Thesis Statement:

Clearly state your main argument or thesis in the introduction.
Make sure your thesis is specific and debatable.
Consult a deductive essay example for inspiration.

3. Identify Premises:

Clearly state the premises that lead to your conclusion.
Each premise should be logically connected to the others.

4. Logical Order:

Present your premises in a logical order, starting with the most general and progressing to the more specific.
Ensure a clear and coherent flow between paragraphs.

5. Provide Evidence:

Support each premise with relevant evidence, examples, or data.
Use credible sources to strengthen your arguments.

6. Avoid Fallacies:

Be aware of common logical fallacies and avoid using them in your arguments.
Common fallacies include hasty generalizations, ad hominem attacks, and faulty causation.
Study the types of tone in writing .

7. Clarity and Precision:

Use clear and precise language to convey your ideas.
Define any terms that may be unclear or have multiple interpretations.

8. Counterarguments:

Address potential counterarguments to strengthen your position.
Refute counterarguments with logical reasoning and evidence.

9. Conciseness:

Be concise in your writing. Avoid unnecessary words or information.
Stick to the relevant points that directly contribute to your argument.

10. Relevance:

Ensure that all information presented is relevant to the main argument.
Remove any unnecessary details or tangential information.

11. Proofread and Edit:

Carefully proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Edit for clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness.
Ask others to read your essay and provide constructive feedback.

20 Great Deductive Essay Topics

Should you encounter difficulty in selecting topics to explore, do not worry! We have compiled an outstanding list suitable for diverse assignments, ranging from standard homework tasks to more complex projects. Additionally, we have an extensive list of argumentative essay topics that will definitely ignite your creativity!

How does higher education impact career opportunities and economic success?
The Impact of technological advancements on human relationships.
The link between educational attainment and economic success.
The relationship between environmental conservation and economic growth: Exploring the sustainability paradigm.
What role does early childhood education play in long-term academic achievement?
Can universal basic income lead to increased employment rates and economic stability?
The influence of social media on mental health: Investigating the connection between online presence and well-being.
Assessing the strengths and challenges of a multicultural workforce.
Analyzing the relationship between government policies and income inequality.
The impact of early childhood education on long-term academic achievement.
How will artificial intelligence affect employment in the future of work?
A connection between physical activity and cognitive function.
The intersection of gender and leadership: Unpacking stereotypes and examining gender disparities in leadership positions.
Investigating the link between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
Analyzing the role of media in shaping public opinion.
The relationship between immigration and economic growth.
How parental support impacts educational achievement.
Analyzing the future of work in the age of automation.
Investigating the link between social support networks and mental health.
Does government spending have a positive or negative impact on economic growth?

Deductive essays offer college students valuable opportunities to enhance critical thinking and analytical skills. Through the systematic presentation of premises leading to a logical conclusion, students develop the ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and draw reasoned inferences. Engaging with deductive reasoning encourages students to structure their thoughts methodically, fostering clarity in communication.

These essays also promote effective problem-solving as students must assess evidence, evaluate its relevance, and construct a compelling argument. Moreover, such essays provide a platform for honing research skills, as students often need to gather and synthesize information to support their claims. In case you’d like to continue improving your skills of convincing readers, we suggest you read our persuasive essay format guide with more interesting information on the topic.

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COMMENTS

Inductive vs. Deductive Writing
Dr. Tamara Fudge, Kaplan University professor in the School of Business and IT There are several ways to present information when writing, including those that employ inductive and deductive reasoning. The difference can be stated simply: Inductive reasoning presents facts and then wraps them up with a conclusion. Deductive reasoning presents a thesis statement and…
PDF Induction vs Deduction
Induction vs. Deduction In writing, argument is used in an attempt to convince the reader of the truth or falsity of some proposal or thesis. Two of the methods used are induction and deduction. Induction: A process of reasoning (arguing) which infers a general conclusion based on individual cases, examples, specific bits of evidence, and other specific
Induction Examples and Definition
Definition of Induction. Induction starts with specific facts and draws conclusions, which may be right or wrong. This is a type of reasoning that assumes that given premises strongly lead to a certain conclusion, but there is not enough evidence to make this conclusion definite, only probable. The danger of inductive reasoning is that it is uncertain and often simplistic, and can lead to ...
Induction
Induction is known as a conclusion reached through reasoning. An inductive statement is derived using facts and instances which lead to the formation of a general opinion. Though all the facts upon which the conclusion is based are true, there is still a chance of the conclusion reached being false. This type of reasoning goes from specific ...
Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning generalizations can vary from weak to strong, depending on the number and quality of observations and arguments used. Inductive generalization. Inductive generalizations use observations about a sample to come to a conclusion about the population it came from. Inductive generalizations are also called induction by enumeration.
Inductive Essays: Tips, Examples, And Topics
Here are some tips for writing acompelling and effective inductive essay: 1. Presenting evidence in a logical and organized way: It is important to present evidence in a clear and organized way that supports the thesis statement and the conclusion. Use topic sentences and transitions to make the connections between the evidence and the ...
Inductive Order, Inductive Reasoning, Inductive Writing
Inductive Order and Inductive Reasoning refer to the practice of deriving general principles, claims, and theories from specific instances and observations. When employing an inductive approach, rhetors move from specific instances to a general conclusionfrom from data to theoryfrom observations of particular instances to premises about what those events mean. Inductive Writing is a style
PDF Writing With Inductive Strategy
Inductive logic, the basis for inductive thinking, is one of the most commonly used patterns of thinking. Since induction is commonly used in academic writing, clarifying
Academic Writing
Logic - a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion. a statement that expresses a concept that can be true or false. Soundness - noun. the quality of being based on valid reason or good judgment. the soundness of an argument has two qualities 1. valid structure 2. true premises. Validity - noun.
Induction vs Deduction
This is known as the inductive method. Induction comes from two Latin words meaning "to lead into.". As a writer, you lead your reader to the thesis, using the evidence in each paragraph (facts, statistics, case histories, quotes) to slowly build up to the thesis. Approximately 5% of what you read follows this method.
Inductive and Deductive Assignment (McMahon)
2. Deductive reasoning is the process of reasoning from general statements agreed to be true to a certain and logical conclusion. Again, like inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning is a familiar strategy we use in our everyday lives and is a potentially effective persuasive strategy. However, unlike inductive reasoning when the conclusion may ...
Induction Definition and Examples
Richard Nordquist. Induction is a method of reasoning that moves from specific instances to a general conclusion. Also called inductive reasoning . In an inductive argument, a rhetor (that is, a speaker or writer) collects a number of instances and forms a generalization that is meant to apply to all instances. (Contrast with deduction .)
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning. Another approach authors might take in presenting non-fiction, academic writing is based in logic. Especially in persuasive argument pieces, authors will present readers with a series of reasons why their thesis is correct. The relationship between the thesis and the reasons to support that thesis can be ...
Inductive Arguments
" An inductive argument can be affected by acquiring new premises (evidence), but a deductive argument cannot be. For example, this is a reasonably strong inductive argument: ... If the arguer believes that the truth of the premises definitely establishes the truth of the conclusion, then the argument is deductive."
Inductive vs. Deductive vs. Abductive Reasoning
The prefix de- means "from," and deduction derives from generally accepted statements or facts. The prefix in- means "to" or "toward," and induction leads you to a generalization. The prefix ab- means "away," and you take away the best explanation in abduction. Learn the differences between these three types of reasoning with definitions ...
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning can often be hidden inside a deductive argument. That is, a generalization reached through inductive reasoning can be turned around and used as a starting "truth" a deductive argument. For instance, Most Labrador retrievers are friendly. Kimber is a Labrador retriever. Therefore, Kimber is friendly.
What is Induction in Philosophy?
WIlliam Minto. Read this book now. We have seen how induction is a process of reason whereby specific instances are used to make general claims. This is known as the "bottom-up approach". Deduction works the other way around through a "top-down approach". Deductive reason takes general premises to make specific claims.
Deductive and Inductive Arguments
Deductive and Inductive Arguments. In philosophy, an argument consists of a set of statements called premises that serve as grounds for affirming another statement called the conclusion. Philosophers typically distinguish arguments in natural languages (such as English) into two fundamentally different types: deductive and inductive.Each type of argument is said to have characteristics that ...
Induction definition and example literary device
Induction is known as a conclusion reached through reasoning. An inductive statement is derived using facts and instances which lead to the formation of a general opinion. Though all the facts upon which the conclusion is based are true, there is still a chance of the conclusion reached being false. This type of reasoning goes from specific ...
"Inductive" vs. "Deductive"
Inductive reasoning (also called induction) involves forming general theories from specific observations. Observing something happen repeatedly and concluding that it will happen again in the same way is an example of inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning (also called deduction) involves forming specific conclusions from general premises, as ...
Inductive Essay Examples
Inductive Essay Examples. Unlike in a deductive essay, inductive texts explore the topic without arguing for the correctness of the hypothesis. Here you will provide evidence first and suggest your reasoning only in the concluding paragraph. In terms of structure, you move from the particular cases to the general principle.
How to Write Deductive Essay: Definition, Tips, and Examples
1. Clear Thesis Statement. Begin with brainstorming deductive essay topics and then presenting a clear and concise thesis statement that conveys the main argument or hypothesis. This statement serves as the foundation for the entire essay and guides the reader in understanding the central claim. 2.
What Is Deductive Reasoning?
Deductive vs. inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is a top-down approach, while inductive reasoning is a bottom-up approach. In deductive reasoning, you start with general ideas and work toward specific conclusions through inferences. Based on theories, you form a hypothesis.

Inductive vs. Deductive Writing

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The Power of Inductive Reasoning

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