Socrates and Inductive Reasoning

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Socrates and Inductive Reasoning Inductive reasoning is attributed to Socrates through the writings of his followers, as he himself did not record his own philosophies. In Aristotle’s book Metaphysics the theory of inductive reasoning is presented. Inductive reasoning follows a simple flow chart: Observations → Pattern → Tentative Hypothesis → Theory. Socrates, known as the gadfly, often used inductive reasoning when he questioned the people, this annoying factor eventually led to the death of Socrates. Inductive reasoning is a principle of reasoning which begins with specific measures and observations then patterns and regularities can be detected to form a basic hypothesis and end with the development of a general conclusion or theory. Inductive reasoning occurs when an observation is seen and then a general theory is made upon that observation. For example when one sees a newspaper, a book and a paper bag on fire it can be gathered that all three items are made of paper therefore one can assume that paper burns. Inductive reasoning is called bottom up reasoning because it is contrasted with top down reasoning (deductive reasoning). Inductive reasoning is useful because it allows for a more open-ended viewpoint. Socrates used inductive reasoning along with the dialectical method. When speaking to people, Socrates would begin with a question and on his counterpart’s response would ask further questions. Socrates continued this process until his counterpart admits his unfamiliarity of the subject or becomes extremely annoyed with Socrates and stops the conversation as a whole. He used his counterpart’s statements to form theories using inductive reasoning and he used the dialectical method by asking interlocking and progressive questions to fluster the questioned into leaving the conversation. While Socrates has a lasting legacy in philosophy, his theory of

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