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9 – Types of Logic

9 – Types of Logic


Why Should I Care?


Your understanding of the problem depends on the type of logic you are using. The earthy – got your feet on the ground – scientists prefer an inductive approach. The distant – rather be in an office – scientists usually prefer a deductive approach. Both have advantages and disadvantages.



Definitions

(p. 25)


Rational Thought / LogicLogic: The ability to argue a point in a very strict manner.

 

 

Inductive Logic: From observable parts you build an unknown whole.

 


Based on observations = probable conclusions


                 

Deductive Logic:  From the observable whole you deduct unknown parts.


 Based on assumptions, and deductions = guaranteed conclusionsconclusions.

 

The Process of Inductive Logic

 

Inductive Reasoning starts with observations of particulars and tries to make sense of them, by drawing a probable conclusion. Researcher goes back to empirical work to confirm the insights.

 Observations:

Observations if A + B + C + D


First predictionprediction: then probably X, but maybe not


Second predictionprediction: then probably Z, but maybe not.


Example: This girl is slim, tall, has blonde hair,

       and her teeth are straight.


 She is probably pretty, 


 

     And probably going to marry an attractive male.

                 (The girl could be ugly, or a lesbian, or prefer ugly men)


Advantages: 

Advantages: Rooted in truthful real-life observations

observations. Allows for a very descriptive approach

approach. Depth, and holism.


Disadvantages: The observations make the conclusion likely, but not guaranteed.

 Not usable in courts of law (Walks like a thief: not enough to be jailed).


Disciplines of choice:  Sociology, Psychology, History, Anthropology

 

 

The Process of Deductive Logic

 

Deductive Reasoning starts with observations, may add assumptions, and deducts a single outcome. Researcher must then do more empirical work to see if this logic holds in a real-life setting.


 

ObservationsObservations: if A


AssumptionsAssumptions: and assuming that F and G are unchanged


First deductiondeduction: then Z



Example: The soccer game is on either Thursday or Friday.


 

    Assuming it won’t be on Friday because it’s a holiday.


 

    The game must be on Thursday.



Advantages: Rooted in hard logic

logic. When it works, it allows for a single conclusion.

                                                Used in courts.

 Used in simulations, and models.

 Clarity, and Strength.


Disadvantages: Strong assumptions are often needed to single out a conclusion.

 Conclusions may be completely opposed to real-life observations.


Disciplines of choice: Economics




 

Exercise – Archetypes and Stereotypes


Most of our heated political debates have to do with discrimination. The core of this issue has to do with Archetypes, and Stereotypes. We will first define both.


Archetype: 

Archetype                     In philosophy, this is a general model representative of a group. In psychology, Jung defined it as a universal symbol of a type, or as a person that serves as a model for the group. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger my be seen as the archetype of a strong man.


StereotypeStereotype: In sociology, this is a belief that someone holds about the characteristics of the members of another group. Can be positive or negative. Can be resistant to new information and be generalized excessively.



Categorize the following statements as being archetypes/stereotypes, based on inductive/deductive logic, and being moral/immoral.


Statement

Archetype/
Stereotype

Inductive/
Deductive

Moral/

Immoral

Michael Jordan is the GOAT

Archetype

Inductive

Moral

Scottish Men are Notoriously Cheap

Stereotype

Inductive

Immoral

All the Irish I know from the Pointe are Tough

Stereotype

Inductive

Immoral

Qc average income is below Can average

Neither

Deductive

Moral

Uneducated men with gangster neck tattoos should not be trusted as babysitters

Stereotype

Inductive

Moral

Queen Elizabeth is a model for British women

Archetype

Inductive

Moral




Stereotypes and Archetypes are used by almost everyone in society. We use them to evaluate our peers, our neighbors and the risk that they pose to our well-being, our communities, our institutions, and our workplaces.


Stereotypes quickly become toxic social constructions when people use them to discriminate on the basis of a social grouping and its perceived characteristic. It is up to society to determine when a stereotype becomes immoral, and this determination may change over time. For example, tattoos have become widely accepted in society, when in the past they were indicative of untrustworthy individuals. However, neck and face tattoos still provoke stigma and discrimination.