Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning- What’s the Difference?

The main difference between inductive and deductive reasoning is the direction of the inference. Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning moves from a general rule to a specific conclusion.

Also learn Examples of Deductive Reasoning & Examples of Inductive Reasoning

Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning

Here are the main differences between Inductive And Deductive Reasoning:

Inductive Reasoning	Deductive Reasoning
Moves from specific observations to a general conclusion.	Moves from a general rule to a specific conclusion.
The conclusion is probable, not certain.	The conclusion is certain if the premises are true.
Often used in science to make generalizations.	Often used in mathematics and logic to prove theorems.

How to remember inductive vs deductive?

Here’s a simple way to remember the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning:

“IN-ductive goes from specific to general, like zooming OUT. DE-ductive goes from general to specific, like zooming DOWN.”

To break it down:

1. Inductive: “IN” -> Think of “zooming out” from specific observations to a general conclusion.
2. Deductive: “DE” -> Think of “zooming down” from a general rule to a specific conclusion.

“IN-ductive goes from specific to general, like zooming OUT. Example: You notice several swans, all white. You conclude: All swans might be white. (Specific observations -> General conclusion)

DE-ductive goes from general to specific, like zooming DOWN. Example: All mammals have fur. Dolphins are mammals. You conclude: Dolphins must have fur. (General rule -> Specific conclusion)”

Comparison of Examples of Inductive And Deductive Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning

• Premise: Every swan I have seen is white.
• Conclusion: Therefore, all swans are white.

This is an example of inductive reasoning because it moves from specific observations (all the swans I have seen are white) to a general conclusion (all swans are white).

The conclusion is probable, not certain, because it is possible that I have not seen all the swans in the world.

Deductive Reasoning

• Premise: All triangles have three sides.
• Premise: This shape has three sides.
• Conclusion: Therefore, this shape is a triangle.

This is an example of deductive reasoning because it moves from a general rule (all triangles have three sides) to a specific conclusion (this shape is a triangle).

The conclusion is certain because it follows logically from the premises.