Inductive Logic

What?

Inductive Logic (IL) is a method of reasoning that equips you to use examples or evidence to reach general conclusions that are likely to be true.

Examples

Simple Examples

• Premise: The sun has risen every day since I’ve been alive.
  Conclusion: The sun will rise tomorrow.

• Premise: Every time we’ve eaten at restaurant X, the food and service have been excellent.
  Conclusion: Restaurant X is excellent.

Ohm’s Law

• Premise: Every time we test electrical circuits, we find that voltage, current, and resistance are related by the equation V = IR.
  Conclusion: The equation V = IR must be true for any electrical circuit, not just the ones tested.

What?

Inductive Logic (IL) is a method of reasoning that equips you to use examples or evidence to reach general conclusions that are likely to be true.

Examples

Simple Examples

• Premise: The sun has risen every day since I’ve been alive.

• Conclusion: The sun will rise tomorrow.

• Premise: Everytime we’ve eaten at restaurant X, the food and service have been excellent.

• Conclusion: Restaurant X is excellent.

Ohm’s Law

Premise: Everytime we test electrical circuits, we find that voltage, current and resistance are related by the equation V = IR.

Conclusion: The equation V = IR must be true for any electrical circuit, not just the ones we tested.

Deductive Logic (DL) is a set of rules that equip you to use facts (known truths) to reach new conclusions that must also be true.

The big advantage of DL is that the conclusion is guaranteed to be true if two conditions are met:

1. You apply deductive logic correctly; that is, you follow the rules of logic.

2. Your facts are correct (true).

Why Excel with This?

• It ensures your conclusions are logically sound.
• It protects against reasoning errors and faulty conclusions.
• It builds credibility by supporting arguments with clear, valid logic.
• It enables effective problem solving and decision making in fields like math, science, law, programming, philosophy, and critical thinking.

How?

• Learn common valid structures, such as:

  • Modus ponens (If A, then B. A → B.)
  • Modus tollens (If A, then B. Not B → Not A.)
  • Disjunctive syllogism (A or B. Not A → B.)
  • Hypothetical syllogism (If A, then B. If B, then C → If A, then C.)

• Practice identifying premises and conclusions in everyday arguments.

• Test validity by using truth tables or formal rules.

• Avoid fallacies (for example, affirming the consequent or denying the antecedent).

When?

• When to learn:
  • As early as possible—ideally in middle or high school.
  • Especially when studying math, science, philosophy, or critical thinking.
• When to apply:
  • When evaluating arguments for soundness.
  • When designing systems, programs, or processes that must work reliably.
  • When making decisions based on rules or conditions.
  • When engaging in ethical reasoning or structured debate.

Who Should Learn and Apply This?

• Students in logic, math, computer science, law, medicine, or philosophy.
• Professionals making high-stakes decisions or designing systems.
• Anyone who wants to think more clearly, argue more effectively, or avoid being misled.