re vol. 105, issue 46

[HighlandWindsLLC Miller]

Enjoying your discussion of various elements of inductive reasoning vs. deductive reasoning, and it caused me to wonder the following related to how you might categorize the following type research: If something has been studied for a couple thousand years (in my case use of particular herbal formulas for medical purposes, and their impacts on health) and conclusions were drawn as to what worked, where it worked and when it worked, health wise, and now I am applying that gathered knowledge in my own observational case studies here in U.S. for both clinical purposes of aiding unhealthy with herbs and to expand scientific information on health impacts of various Chinese/Ayurvedic formulas, would my work be considered inductive? or deductive? or both? I read the following definition of inductive and deductive and it got me wondering where my work fit.

 

Guide To Inductive & Deductive Reasoning Induction vs. Deduction October, 2008, by The Critical Thinking Co.™ Staff

Induction and deduction are pervasive elements in critical thinking. They are also somewhat misunderstood terms. Arguments based on experience or observation are best expressed inductively, while arguments based on laws or rules are best expressed deductively. Most arguments are mainly inductive. In fact, inductive reasoning usually comes much more naturally to us than deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning moves from specific details and observations (typically of nature) to the more general underlying principles or process that explains them (e.g., Newton's Law of Gravity). It is open-ended and exploratory, especially at the beginning. The premises of an inductive argument are believed to support the conclusion, but do not ensure it. Thus, the conclusion of an induction is regarded as a hypothesis. In the Inductive method, also called the scientific method, observation of nature is the authority. In contrast, deductive reasoning typically moves from general truths to specific conclusions. It opens with an expansive explanation (statements known or believed to be true) and continues with predictions for specific observations supporting it. Deductive reasoning is narrow in nature and is concerned with testing or confirming a hypothesis. It is dependent on its premises. For example, a false premise can lead to a false result, and inconclusive premises will also yield an inconclusive conclusion. Deductive reasoning leads to a confirmation (or not) of our original theories. It guarantees the correctness of a conclusion. Logic is the authority in the deductive method.

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Miss Peggy Miller, owner/OEO

Highland Winds
wix.com/peggymiller/highlandwinds
Art Studio/HerbShop is at 1520 S. 7th St. W. (Just off Russell, four blocks from Good Food Store)

406-541-7577 (home/office/studio shop)
Shop Hours: Wed: 11-6
                   Thurs:  3-8 pm
                   Fri-Sat: 11 am -6pm

Herbal Consults during studio shop hours and also on Tuesdays.

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