What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations, while deductive reasoning starts with a general statement and deduces specific conclusions from it.

Can you give me an example of inductive reasoning?

Sure! If you observe that the sun has risen in the east every day of your life, you might conclude that the sun always rises in the east. That's inductive reasoning.

And what about deductive reasoning? Can you provide an example?

Of course! If you know that all humans are mortal (general statement) and Socrates is a human (specific case), you can deduce that Socrates is mortal.

Are there situations where one is better to use than the other?

Yes, inductive reasoning is often used in hypothesis formation and scientific research, while deductive reasoning is useful in logical proofs and mathematics.