What is the deductive method?
The deductive method (from Latin deductio - deduction) is a method of thinking , the consequence of which is a logical conclusion, where a particular conclusion is deduced from the general. The whole essence of the deductive method is that a person begins to build a logical chain based on a hypothesis, the accuracy of which he has no doubt. In order to prove a hypothesis, it is necessary to make observations and draw conclusions. In the process of observation, generally accepted and recognized facts are applied.
To make it easier to understand what the deductive method is, let's turn to the book “Thinking Slow... Solve Fast,” authored by Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman. The book describes the so-called “fast thinking,” which is responsible for instantaneous awareness of the surrounding space. This type of thinking forces a person to classify his instinctive sensations. Based on this, a person most often makes irrational decisions that turn out to be wrong.
In order to ensure the conscious formation of thoughts, decisions, conclusions and assessments, it is necessary to use a system of “slow” thinking. How does this manifest itself? For example, a woman found her husband's wedding ring on the living room table. The first impulse, of course, will be to get angry with your spouse and suspect him of all mortal sins. However, the woman immediately remembers that a light bulb in their living room had burned out, and she asked her husband to replace it. The light in the room is on, which means the man has fulfilled the request. It follows that he had to bring a stepladder and tools from the garage. Because the man had to wear gloves, he took off the ring to make it easier for him. Afterwards, he simply forgot to put it on because he was late for work. The reason was found, a family quarrel was avoided - this is an example of “slow” thinking, which helped the woman see all the details and come to the right conclusion.
This type of thinking is the basis of the deductive method. Deduction allows you to draw a particular conclusion based on general facts. Let's take the same gold ring. We know that all metals are capable of conducting current, and gold is undoubtedly a metal. From this we can conclude that a gold ring is also capable of passing current. We applied knowledge from the general education school curriculum and made a private conclusion. In doing so, we used the deductive method of thinking.
Is this real
It's worth starting with something encouraging.
Sherlock Holmes' abilities are absolutely real. And in general, the legendary character was copied by Conan Doyle from a living person - professor at the University of Edinburgh Joseph Bell. He was widely known for his ability to guess a person's character, background and profession from the smallest details. On the other hand, the existence of one real outstanding person does not guarantee success for everyone who tries to repeat his achievements. Mastering abilities comparable to Holmes's is incredibly difficult. In a different scenario, Scotland Yard wouldn't be running around Baker Street for clues, right?
Examples of the deductive method
Deductive thinking has been around since the time of Aristotle, who analyzed every conclusion along with its premises and conclusion. Cognition through the deductive method is based on the relationship of the constituent components.
Let's go back to the example with the gold ring. Hypothesis A states that all metals carry current. If this hypothesis is correct, then hypothesis B that gold, like a metal, also passes current, is correct. So the B hypothesis follows from the A hypothesis. If someone manages to prove that gold does not transmit current, then this will mean that hypothesis B is incorrect. From this we can conclude that judgment A will also be erroneous.
Judgments that contain statements of immutable truths are premises. In our example, these are “metals pass current” and “gold is a metal.” Judgments that follow from the premises and put a logical point are a conclusion, or a consequence. “Gold also passes current”—that’s the conclusion.
Types of forms of knowledge.
Methods of scientific knowledge are connected not only with each other, but also with forms of knowledge.
A problem is a question that needs to be studied and resolved. Solving problems requires enormous mental effort and is associated with a radical restructuring of existing knowledge about the object. The initial form of such permission is an idea.
An idea is a form of thinking in which the most essential is captured in the most general form. The information contained in the idea is so significant for a positive solution to a certain range of problems that it seems to contain tension that encourages specification and development.
Solving a problem, like concretizing an idea, can result in the formulation of a hypothesis or the construction of a theory.
A hypothesis is a probable assumption about the cause of any phenomena, the reliability of which in the current state of production and science cannot be verified and proven, but which explains these phenomena, observed without it. Even a science like mathematics cannot do without hypotheses.
A hypothesis tested and proven in practice moves from the category of probable assumptions to the category of reliable truths and becomes a scientific theory.
A scientific theory is understood, first of all, as a set of concepts and judgments regarding a certain subject area, united into a single, true, reliable system of knowledge using certain logical principles.
Scientific theories can be classified on various grounds: by the degree of generality (particular, general), by the nature of the relationship to other theories (equivalent, isomorphic, homomorphic), by the nature of the connection with experience and the type of logical structures (deductive and non-deductive), by the nature of the use of language (qualitative, quantitative). But no matter what form theory appears today, it is the most significant form of knowledge.
The problem and idea, hypothesis and theory are the essence of the forms in which the effectiveness of the methods used in the process of cognition is crystallized. However, their significance is not only this. They also act as forms of knowledge movement and the basis for the formulation of new methods. Determining each other, acting as complementary means, they (i.e., methods and forms of cognition) in their unity provide the solution to cognitive problems and allow a person to successfully master the world around him.
Differences from the inductive method
The inductive method is the exact opposite of the deductive method, and is based on the transition from the particular to the general. This can be observed more clearly in medicine, when a doctor, based on the patient’s symptoms, makes a diagnosis. From a deductive point of view, the whole “picture” must first be assessed in order to reach a correct conclusion. Using this method, the doctor must first use the general term “cold” and work from there. Influenza means that a person must have symptoms.
If we talk about differences, it should be mentioned that deductive thinking is more generalizing and global. Inductive thinking is based on subjective hunches. However, both methods are interrelated. At the beginning, until a common feature is discovered in various phenomena, the movement occurs from the particular to the general, that is, induction is used. By combining particular cases, induction allows us to obtain general knowledge. After establishing a general feature, thinking goes in the opposite direction - from the general to the specific. This is a deductive method.
Deduction and induction
When the mind is prepared and saturated with various useful information, you can move on to exercises for the development of logical thinking: deductive and inductive. After all, Conan Doyle’s character used both methods, which, alas, is shown in the BBC series “Sherlock” somewhat weaker than in the books of Arthur Conan Doyle.
Deduction is a method in which the particular is logically deduced from the general: “All metals conduct current. Gold is a metal. This means gold conducts current.” Induction, on the contrary, brings the general out of the particular: “I am a Muscovite and I remember that snow fell every winter. This means that it always snows in Moscow in winter.” Sherlock Holmes, inspecting a crime scene or assessing those around him, often went from the particular to the general and back again, freely moving in both logical directions: “John has a military bearing, tanning on his arms only up to the sleeves, a psychosomatic limp, which means he has been in war. Where have there been military operations recently? In Afghanistan. So, in the war in Afghanistan.”
However, his main conclusions were deductive and arose in the head of the great detective when he was tormenting his violin or thinking while smoking a pipe. At these moments, Sherlock Holmes turned to his phenomenal knowledge of history and criminology and classified the case based on the “family tree of crimes.” He assigned him a place in the group: “Murder over an inheritance,” “Murder out of jealousy,” “Theft of a will,” etc. This provided a motive, and the motive provided suspects. This was the essence of Sherlock Holmes' deductive method. Induction gave him food for thought, while deduction gave him the answer.
There are many exercises to train logical thinking. For example, “Concepts in order”, within which it is necessary to arrange several words from particular meanings to general ones or vice versa. Chess or poker may also be useful. In addition, it is important to learn to avoid logical errors in judgments, having studied them, for example, in the book by Avenir Uemov “Logical errors. How they prevent you from thinking correctly.”
Where is deduction used?
Every day, when faced with various circumstances, our brain builds logical chains that are invisible to many. When deciding what to wear in the morning, we study the weather outside the window. We have two messages in our heads: it’s cold outside, and warm clothes protect us from the cold. These are two general knowledges. Based on this, we come to the understanding that we need to dress warmly - this is the conclusion.
The deductive method is present in our everyday life, but we may not understand it. However, when it comes to professional activities, a person consciously uses deduction to solve specific problems. The method of deductive thinking is used in many directions:
- disputes and discussions - using deduction, obvious statements are given with which the opponent has to agree, thereby accepting your point of view;
- mathematics - a good example is geometric problems from the school curriculum. To prove the theorem, the student must use generally accepted and proven axioms;
- philosophy - the whole essence of the deduction method here is that any hypothesis must be substantiated using only logical evidence;
- forensics - upon arriving at the crime scene, the expert uses the overall picture of the incident. This helps him find individual circumstances and new details;
- science - a scientist takes as the basis of his work some hypothesis that has not yet been proven or disproven. Based on the hypothesis, the scientist derives consequences that he will try to discover during the research.
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How to learn to think deductively?
We've talked before about the slow mindset. If you want to learn the deductive method, you will need to be observant. Be “corrosive”, try to pay attention to even the most inconspicuous details. Start small, for example, by studying the arrangement of furniture in a room when you are visiting someone. When talking to a person, pay attention to how he talks, gestures, and where he looks. Over time, you will learn to notice what is hidden from prying eyes.
If you don't have a small notebook, now is the time to buy one. Carry it with you always to record all your observations. Over time, spatial descriptions will turn into iron facts. Don't forget that you will need an extensive knowledge base. Expand your horizons every day: read, watch films and listen to music of different genres, travel, meet people of different professions and interests.
How to develop deduction in yourself?
Deduction requires observation. First of all, you need to learn to be observant and attentive. Not every person has deductive abilities. Those who are always in a hurry, in a hurry, cannot think slowly. They act in a hurry.
But deductive thinking can be cultivated in yourself. Start small. Take a closer look at things that are happening. Evaluate and analyze. Of course, theory alone will not suffice here. Learning deduction is a long process.
There is special literature on deductive logic. The works talk about special exercises that develop mental abilities, attentiveness, and observation.
Here are some techniques that contribute to the development of deduction:
1. Solving mathematical problems. We are taught logic in school. Meaningful and analyzed information allows you to draw a conclusion, that is, find an answer. You can solve not only mathematical problems, but also physical and chemical ones. Solving them requires the use of formulas. A person comprehends the text and data of the task, determines which formula should be used. Through logical conclusions, he, one way or another, comes to the right decision.
2. Expand your horizons. Books for developing deduction recommend not limiting yourself to studying one area. It is important to understand many areas. Music, art, literature, chemistry and other sciences help increase your mental potential. Engage in self-development.
3. Be meticulous. Study should not be superficial. If you decide to limit yourself to studying one area, do it with the utmost care. Immerse yourself in the process. Get into the details.
4. Develop flexibility of thinking. Having solved the problem in the usual way, think about other options. They certainly exist. Going one way is not always wise. Sometimes there are shortcuts that lead to the correct answer. Put this rule into practice. Offer several ways to solve a particular problem.
5. Become observant. When contacting people, pay attention to the gestures, facial expressions, and posture of the interlocutor. If you return from work, note those details that were not there in the morning. Gradually you will get used to being attentive.
6. Develop involuntary attention. Some little things may not be obvious. But even the slightest changes should be noted with peripheral vision. You can play the game. Ask someone to remove a small object from the room. Look around. Try to understand what exactly was removed?
7. Combine deduction and induction. You can learn from the example already described. Ask your household members to add something to the room or change some detail in the interior. Can you notice the changes?
There are many ways to develop deductive thinking. Collect puzzles, mosaics, solve puzzles, get books on entertaining mathematics. Logical problems are often given here.
What does the mind of Sherlock Holmes do?
Deductive method
This is the detective's main weapon, which, however, would not work without a number of additional components.
Attention
Sherlock Holmes captures even the smallest details. If not for this skill, he simply would not have material for reasoning, evidence and leads.
Knowledge base
The detective himself said it best:
All crimes show great generic similarity. They (Scotland Yard agents) introduce me to the circumstances of a particular case. Knowing the details of a thousand cases, it would be strange not to solve the thousand and one.
Sherlock Holmes
The palaces of the mind
This is his excellent memory. This is the repository that he turns to almost every time he is looking for a solution to a new riddle. This is the knowledge, circumstances and facts accumulated by Holmes, a significant part of which cannot be obtained anywhere else.
Constant analysis
Sherlock Holmes analyzes, reflects, asks questions and answers them. Often he even resorts to double analysis, it is not in vain that the detective constantly acts together with his partner Dr. Watson.
Tasks for the development of deductive thinking
To develop deductive thinking, it is worth practicing on special problems. The first problem was invented at one time by Einstein. In it you need to guess five houses, their owners and their preferences. The task contains indirect clues on the basis of which you need to make the right choice.
The second task sounds like this:
“A man lives in a multi-storey building on the 15th floor. Returning home, he takes the elevator to the 9th floor, and then walks to the 15th floor. If a person is not walking alone or it’s raining outside, he takes the elevator to the 15th floor. Why does a person do this?
There are more interesting tasks, games, and puzzles on the website of gaming intellectual simulators - develop yourself while playing!
Why develop inductive and deductive abilities
The deduction method can be useful in different life situations. When you need to find out the truth, and quickly. For example, if one of your loved ones gets into an unpleasant situation and is accused of a particular crime. Based on the available facts, you need to come to a true decision. Prove a person's guilt or innocence based on known facts.
The main thing for a person is that judgments are logical and lead to the truth. The development of deductive thinking is also useful in other situations when you need to prove the truth.
