Induction and deduction methods Induction
INTRODUCTION
The induction method is a way of reasoning from the particular to the general, that is, from the facts to the synthesis, also known as one of the most important forms of reasoning, and is one of the main discoveries of logic,as knowledge science.
This method is applied regularly in scientific research in the formation of hypothesis, research of scientific laws and demonstrations.
Induction can be characterized by being complete or incomplete. In the first case it happens that the conclusion is taken from the study of all the elements that form the research problem. In incomplete induction, we conclude the study of only a significant part of the elements that constitute the research problem.
Having said that, we can distinguish several fundamental types of inductive reasoning, among them:
Complete induction.
It is one that allows us to infer, gather, conjecture and assume general conclusions of a certain research problem, studying all the elements that are part of the research problem in relation to their object of research.
Thus, by investigating the academic performance of the law students of the University of Specialties Spirit Holy (research problem) we will examine the results of all students enrolled in the Faculty, which will allow us to infer, induce conclusions based on thecomplete induction method.
Complete induction is possible when we know exactly the number of elements that form the object of research or study and, in addition, when we know that generalized knowledge belongs to each of the elements of the research problem.
The so -called complex demonstrations are forms of inductive reasoning. Only in them samples are taken that are gradually articulated until the studies are achieved by complete induction.
Induction by simple enumeration or induction in the ordinary sense
This method acquires an important manifestation when the reasoning goes from the parties to the whole. This consists of reaching conclusions in the different parts of the whole, in order to characterize it. Thus to know the production of a plant, we take the average production of some of its machines. Then we conclude that the average performance thus calculated will be that of the plant.
It is a scientific method used in objects and problems whose elements are very large, immeasurable or infinite. Your conclusions are probable. They cannot be taken as a demonstration of something, but as possibilities of truthfulness. It is enough that a single case appears that denies the conclusion so that it is refuted as false.
scientific induction (the last two types constitute incomplete induction)
This method is presented only in those cases in which research problems are presented whose elements cannot be listed and studied entirely by the subject who conducts the investigation. The impossibility of studying the elements completely, can be given by the number of elements or because the researcher cannot have them within reach.
This incomplete induction can be defined as the general consequence about a research problem, derived from the study of a single part of the homogeneous elements that make up the research system.
Thus, for example, when studying the academic performance of the students of the University of Specialties Spirit Holy (research problem) we will examine the results only of a representative sample, not all, the EUES students.
As the object of research (EUE students) has a very large number of elements, which does not feasible the research project, we resort to drawing a representative sample to induce generalizations in this regard.
The scientific induction method
This method consists in reaching a certain conclusion, studying those necessary characters of the research problem or also the necessary connections of the problem.
It is then understood as necessary character that is common to all elements of the research problem. With all possible research resources, we will try to demonstrate that a certain character is necessary for a part of the elements of the research problem, we can conclude with the assurance that this character is proper to all elements of the object.
Thus, for example, we know that water is a necessary character for all living beings. We can conclude with certainty that plants need water.
For scientific research cases, we are only interested in causal relationships.
DEDUCTION
The deductive method is a scientific method that considers that the conclusion is implicit in the premises. Therefore, it assumes that the conclusions necessarily follow the premises: if the deductive reasoning is valid and the premises are true, the conclusion can only be true.
That is, it is a system that serves to organize known facts and draw conclusions, which is achieved through a series of statements that are called syllogisms, they include three elements: a) the major premise, b) the minor premise and c) the conclusion. Here is an example: a) All men are mortal (major premise), b) Socrates is a man (minor premise);Therefore, c) Socrates is deadly (conclusion).
If the premises of deductive reasoning are true, the conclusion will also be. This reasoning allows to organize the premises in syllogisms that provide the decisive evidence for the validity of a conclusion;It is usually said in a situation not understood "deduce", however, deductive reasoning has limitations. It is necessary to start with true premises to reach valid conclusions. The conclusion of a syllogism can never go beyond the content of the premises. Deductive conclusions are necessarily inferences made from a knowledge that already existed. Consequently, scientific inquiry cannot be done only through deductive reasoning, since it is difficult to establish the universal truth of many statements that deal with scientific phenomena. Deductive reasoning can organize what is already known and point out new relationships as it goes from the general to the specific, but without becoming a source of new truths.
Empirical and rational knowledge.
Empiricism
That knowledge that is acquired through direct experience, repetition or participation, without having an approximation to the abstract, but from the things themselves.
In other words, this knowledge is derived from the world’s experience, that is, from perceptions, so it can be considered a sensitive knowledge. Thus, it can be more or less objective in its appreciation of the object of study, that is, it can be provided for rational approaches, or not.
Thus, for example, when there is a bad loving or other (empirical) experience, it can be rationalized and becoming social learning, or it can translate into an emotional conclusion like “all men/women are equal”.
Rationalism
Rational knowledge is anyone we can obtain through the use of human reason, that is, through the mental understanding of the phenomena of reality that our senses capture, and their analysis according to recognizable, demonstrable, understandable methods.
This means that rational knowledge is extremely broad, since it covers both scientific and empirical and philosophical knowledge, although these three are different from each other.
There are several positions regarding the fact that all knowledge, being necessarily human, goes through our mind and therefore is ultimately rational. However, rational knowledge is considered as the fruit of human reasoning as free as possible of emotions, prejudices, sensations, intuitions or subjective or indigmous values.
Thus, only what can be explained and demonstrated according to a specific method, it would be rational. In this sense, rational knowledge opposes intuitive knowledge, which is not demonstrable, and religious, which is based on faith and is dogmatic, and lacks demonstrable explanations.
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