Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Summary
This lesson explains deductive and inductive reasoning.

Objectives
• To be able to explain deductive reasoning.

• To be able to explain inductive reasoning.

• To be able to identify if an argument is inductive or deductive.

Suggested Grades
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
In deductive argumentation, the conclusion is a proposition that follows from other propositions. This means that the conclusion is supported by the other propositions, called premises. It is incorrect to suggest, however, that this support is weak. Rather, the conclusion must be affirmed if the premises are true; it is impossible for the premises to be true and for the conclusion to be false. The purpose of the premises is to establish the truth of the conclusion.

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