Reasoning

1). Read through the different types of reasoning posted to the instructors blog.  Give an example of each type of reasoning outlined on the instructor’s blog.  The example should be something the folks in class can relate to, so try to use real world examples.

1.    Reasoning by Analogy:  We reason by analogy, when we make a statement that compares the relationship between two or more similar things. Normally when we make the comparison, we assume that because A is like B, they must be similar; however, that is not always the case, and so it is usually helpful to provide evidence when determining whether or not these things are actually similar or different when reasoning by an analogy.

For example: Is a Milky Way more like a 3 Musketeers Bar or a Snickers Bar?

                     Milky Way         vs.           Musketeer’s Bar   vs.    Snickers Bar

Candy                            Yes                                    Yes                                   Yes

Chocolate                     Yes                                    Yes                                   Yes

Fluffy Texture               Yes                                    Yes                                  No

  
Crunchy                          No                                    No                                    Yes

Peanuts                           No                                    No                                    Yes


Carmel                            Yes                                    No                                    Yes

         ____________________________________________________________

In the table above, I made a comparison of three similar candy bars with the hopes of reasoning by analogy.  I compared three very similar candy bars, of which many may already know the difference, to discover which candy bar is the most similar to a Milky Way. In my findings, Milky Ways were most similar to a three Musketeers bar because they had 5 similar things in common compared to a Snickers bar, in which they only had 3 similar things in common. In result, a Milky Way is most similar to Musketeers than a Snickers bar.

2.    Sign Reasoning: Sign reasoning can occur anytime we assume something has occurred because we’ve seen it happen before or it’s common knowledge (like we know that that after the sun rises it will set). Sign reasoning also can occur when we believe that something must be true because we’ve seen it with our own eyes. It’s kind of like cause and effect reasoning. For example:  If I am wearing earnings from Tiffany. & Co. A very expensive jewelry store with a Juicy Couture Jacket, people may assume that since I am wearing these items, I must be rich, since celebrities have worn these types brands. They are reasoning based off their knowledge from seeing other rich people wearing these items.  However, I might not actually be rich because these items may have been gifts from friends or relatives.

3.    Casual Reasoning: Causal reasoning can occur when we try to make sense of certain events that have happened.  We consciously try to find the cause of the effect of an event.

For Example: A lot of times when I am sleeping in my bed at home, I hear noises in the middle of the night, like my dorm being hit open. It scares at first, but then I think of reasons for the cause of the noise, such as that it might have been my cat that hit my bedroom door open, and that was what caused the effect of the loud noise from my door.

4.    Reasoning by Criteria:  Occurs when we come up with a list of criteria that will later be judged to determine a final decision.

For example: The criteria for applying as an exec officer position for the senior class are: grade in school, grade point average, and experience in government a class. Many students will apply for the position, but the one that fits all the criteria will become the exec officer, and the final decision will be made.

5.    Reasoning by Example: This occurs when we use examples in our arguments to persuade others. This type of reasoning can be very effective since examples are based off of real life scenarios.

For Example: I usually get straight A’s, but I took a philosophy class from Dr. Philosopher, and failed miserably. I suggest you don’t take his class.

6.    Inductive:  Inductive reasoning can occur when we make generalizations on things based on our past experiences and observation. However, in this type of reasoning, just because the premises may be true, that doesn’t mean that the conclusion will be too, there is just a possible chance that the conclusion is true.

For example:

·      My mom has gotten up at 6 in the morning every day as long as I can remember. (Premise: true)

·      Tomorrow, she will wake up at 6am. (Conclusion: there is a possible that this is true, but the premise doesn’t guarantee its truth-value).

7.    Deductive:  Deductive reasoning occurs when there is no possible way from the premise to be true and the conclusion false at the same time.

Example:

·      All students at SJSU have to take 60 units before they can take upper division courses. (Premise)

·      I am a student at SJSU. (Premise)

·      So I will have to take 60 units before I can take upper division courses. (Conclusion)