" Types of Reasoning

One of the main types of reasoning discussed in the readings is logical reasoning. This type of reasoning features the use of inferences in order to come into knowledge about a certain experience or phenomenon. Essentially, inferences are the way that conclusions are drawn after systematically examining observations and external phenomenon. It is close to the style of scientific inquiry which is also a very logic-oriented methodology. The primary idea behind inferences is that an individual sees or witnesses some stimuli or phenomena. From this event, that individual can then make their own conclusions as to why or how that particular stimuli or phenomena occurred, making an assumption based on external observations combined with prior knowledge of similar events and circumstances.

A second type of reasoning...

Logical reasoning uses deduction, or the process of concluding an assumption based on these inferred inferences. According to the research, "deduction is the form in which specific conclusions are inferred from more general premises or assertions" (26). Essentially, a broad concept is witnessed or experienced, which leads the individual to make much more specific and concrete conclusions from that larger starting point. The individual uses a series of axioms, which essentially assert certain premises of a specific conclusion in order to follow a sequence to a unique and individual conclusion about the larger phenomenon. The order of the logic using deduction is from broad to specific, and thus is a helpful way to take into account more generalized phenomenon to come up with a more concrete assumption.