Philosophy course [help]

Question

'An introduction to deductive reasoning'

What would this course most likely detail....what exactly is deductive reasoning?

Answer 1

deductive reasoning is taking general premises and using them to make observations. A commonly used example is:

1. all men are mortal

2. I am a man

3. I am a mortal

By taking a larger premise we can come to the conclusion of a specific observation e.g. I am mortal.

Answer 2

Deductive reasoning is whatever satisfies logical derivation in a given system of axioms.

There is a system of deductive reasoning, called natural deduction, which may be of especial interest:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_ded...

Answer 3

Lemur man gave a good answer.  

Here's more detail:  You will learn how to think rationally.  You will learn what types of arguments are illogical, even though they seem to make sense.  You will learn how to counter an argument by challenging unproven points.  And, you will learn how to "prove a point" by offering indisputable rationale.

Critical thinking is sorely lacking in this world.  It is one of the main distinctions between an educated and ignorant person.  Learn these lessons well!

Answer 4

The class would teach about deductive arguments.

A deductive argument is an argument that tries to prove certain conclusions as true by having it "forced" by the premises. For example:

1 - All "A"s are "B"s

2 - All "B"s are "C"s

Therefore, all "A"s are "C"s

That's a good deductive argument.

The course would spend a bit of time on the concepts of validity and soundness, as well as ways of constructing such arguments. You'll be given tools to work with arguments in a very formal way.

The *content* of such argumentation will not be discussed or considered much. You'll be taught to know the paterns in which the arguments are laid out, judging them by logic and reasoning, rather than by whether or not the statements supporting them are true.