reasoning - Areas of reasoning, Types of logical reasoning

Mental activity in which the reasoner moves from given information to a novel conclusion, in a series of steps that the reasoner can justify. Reasoning may be deductive, arriving at a conclusion from a set of premises (eg proving a theorem in mathematics), or inductive, when we try to create a new generalization based on available evidence. Psychologists have debated whether reasoning is based on some sort of internal mental logic, or whether more informal procedures (images, scenarios, or ‘mental models’) are used. Experimental investigations suggest that, when we attempt to reason, we are poor at handling negative information, and reluctant to seek evidence that will disconfirm currently-held beliefs.

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Reasoning is defined very differently depending on the context of the understanding of reason as a form of knowledge. The logical definition is the act of using reason to derive a conclusion from certain premises using a given methodology, and the two most commonly used explicit methods to reach a conclusion are deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning. The specifics of the methods of reasoning are of interest to such disciplines as philosophy, logic, psychology, and artificial intelligence.

Areas of reasoning

Human reasoning capability's are devided into 3. areas:

Logical Reasoning non-Logical Reasoning (languages, feelings and so on) Mathematical Reasoning

The IQ (Intelligence quotient) for example, measured with non-language tests, is the summation of the logical-, and mathematical reasoning skill, the EQ depends mostly on non-logical reasoning capability's. While the basic capability's for these 3 areas of reasoning, may be found in every human being, the level of these ability's heavily depends on education, environment and genetics. Physics for example requires both, logical- and mathematical reasoning capability's.

Types of logical reasoning

In deductive reasoning, given true premises, the conclusion must follow and it cannot be false. In this type of reasoning, the conclusion is inherent in the premises. Classic examples of deductive reasoning are found in such syllogisms as the following:

One must exist (and live) to perform the act of thinking.

In inductive reasoning, on the other hand, when the premises are true, then the conclusion follows with some degree of probability. This method of reasoning is ampliative, as it gives more information than what was contained in the premises themselves.

A third method of reasoning is called abductive reasoning, or inference to the best explanation.

A fourth method of reasoning is analogy. Analogical reasoning is very frequent in common sense, science, philosophy and the humanities, but sometimes it is accepted only as an auxiliary method.