ANSWER
Example of a Deductive Argument:
“Every man is mortal. Socrates is a human being. As a result, Socrates is mortal.”
Because it follows the logical structure of a syllogism, this argument is deductive. The first premise (all men are mortal) is a generalization, while the second premise (Socrates is a man) is an example. The conclusion (Socrates is mortal) is deduced logically from the two premises.
ORDER WITH US AND GET FULL ASSIGNMENT HELP FOR THIS QUESTION AND ANY OTHER ASSIGNMENTS (PLAGIARISM FREE)
The argument is sound because if the premises are correct, the conclusion must also be correct. The argument, however, is only as strong as the truth of the premises. If the first premise (that all men are mortal) is incorrect, then the conclusion (that Socrates is mortal) is also incorrect.
Example of an Inductive Argument:
“My favorite menu item has been unavailable for the last five visits to the local fast food restaurant. As a result, my favorite menu item is likely to be unavailable the next time I visit.”
This is an inductive argument because it relies on specific examples (the last five times) to support a broad conclusion (likely to be out of the favorite menu item next time). The conclusion is based on past experiences and probability rather than a logical deduction from the premises.
The strength of the argument is determined by the number of instances and their representativeness. More than five instances may be required to support the conclusion with high confidence in this case. The conclusion may be invalid if the restaurant’s inventory is larger. The argument becomes stronger if the fast food restaurant has a history of running out of the favorite menu item, and the instances represent this pattern.
QUESTION
Find and post examples of deductive and inductive arguments. Do NOT use an argument example which clearly indicates it is an example of an inductive/deductive argument.
For each example, evaluate its logical strength, using the concepts and ideas presented in the textbook readings, the lesson, and any other source you find that helps you to evaluate the validity (deductive) or strength (inductive) of the argument. You can use examples from the text, or you can find examples elsewhere.
Editorials and opinion columns are a good source, as are letters to the editor. Blogs will also often be based on arguments.
Use mapping and evaluative techniques to make sure it is an argument.
Is it inductive or deductive? Explain why.
Does it pass the tests of validity and strength? Explain.
Link: Deductive Argument Example
“Tightening laws restricting the use and possession of firearms does not protect average law-abiding citizens; it only puts them at greater risk. Enforcing licensing restrictions, trigger locks, and waiting periods makes it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, and, as a result, encourages criminal activity. Only criminals benefit when ordinary citizens are deprived of their right to own a firearm and protect themselves, their homes, and their families” (Lott, 2000, p. 169)
Lott, J., (2000). More guns, less crime: Understanding crime and gun-control laws. University of Chicago Press.
The argument boils down to this:
Laws that are obeyed by ordinary citizens and not obeyed by criminals are laws that put ordinary citizens at risk.
Tight gun laws are laws that are obeyed only by ordinary citizens.
Tight gun laws put ordinary citizens at risk.
However, the argument itself is composed of three intertwined syllogisms:
Only ordinary citizens are persons who respect tight gun laws.
Criminal persons are not ordinary citizens.
Therefore, criminals do not respect tight gun laws.
Tight gun laws restrict only ordinary citizens.
No criminal is an ordinary citizen.
No criminal is restricted by tight gun laws.
Laws that disfavor the good are laws that favor the bad.
Tight gun laws favor the bad.
Therefore, tight gun laws disfavor the good.
Notice that you cannot remove any of the “legs” and maintain the claim. Notice, also, that the reasons are closely connected and depend on or follow from each other. Notice, also, that the first premise (called the major premise) must be accepted as true or the entire argument fails.
Link: Inductive Argument
The United States is too dependent upon foreign oil. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, we rely on imported foreign oil for about 45% of our needs. Of the imported oil, most comes from Canada, but 22% comes from countries in the Middle East. Undeniably, this dependence shapes our foreign policy. We have vast oil reserves that could make us energy-independent. Development of these resources would produce much-needed jobs, many of them in areas of the country suffering most from the recession. We should be developing an energy policy that makes us energy independent.
Reason: We import 45% of our oil.
Reason: Middle East oil imports shape our foreign policy.
Reason: Our vast oil reserves could make us energy independent.
Reason: Development of oil reserves could produce much needed jobs.
Conclusion: For any or all of the above, independent reasons, we should become energy independent.
Notice that any one of these reasons, standing alone, could support the conclusions; they are not logically related to one another as they would be in a syllogism.
Find and post examples of deductive and inductive arguments. Do NOT use an argument example which clearly indicates it is an example of an inductive/deductive argument.
For each example, evaluate its logical strength, using the concepts and ideas presented in the textbook readings, the lesson, and any other source you find that helps you to evaluate the validity (deductive) or strength (inductive) of the argument. You can use examples from the text, or you can find examples elsewhere.
Editorials and opinion columns are a good source, as are letters to the editor. Blogs will also often be based on arguments.
Use mapping and evaluative techniques to make sure it is an argument.
Is it inductive or deductive? Explain why.
Does it pass the tests of validity and strength? Explain.