Deduction Definition
Deduction is the process of logical reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from one or more statements (premises). The conclusions result from a general premise or principle.

Deduction Discussion
        The methods of reasoning and the evaluation of arguments describes the field of logic (Hurley, 1982). Brook and Stainton (2000) propose that an argument may be considered a technique for discovering truths. According to Kemp (1976), deduction is one method of argument and deriving conclusions through reasoning. Arguments are a group of statements that include premises and conclusions. Deduction, a type of logical reasoning, results in conclusions that follow premises.
        Syllogism is a deductive argument consisting of two premise statements and one conclusion (Runkle, 1978). Artistotle, the Greek philosopher utilized the syllogism to discuss arguments and truths. Arguments are evaluated according to validity and soundness. A valid argument exists when the conclusion follows the premise; however, an argument may be valid and have false premises. A sound deductive argument includes true premises that lead to a conclusion (Brook and Stainton, 2000).
        Since the time of Artistotle, deduction has been considered a process of deriving conclusions from a general scope to a particular or specific situation (Hurley, 1982). Literature continues to describe deduction as reasoning that proceeds from a general principle to a particular case (San Jose State University). However, some individuals suggest that the intent of the argument is the clear criterion to determine deduction (Hurley, 1982; Brook and Stainton, 2000). In deduction, a binding relationship exists between premises and the conclusion. Thus, if the premises are true the conclusion must be true (Brook and Stainton, 2000). As a result these conclusions may then be tested.
        Deduction and syllogisms can be traced to Aristotle; however, deductive reasoning is often associated with Rene’ Descartes. This seventeenth-century French philosopher is frequently referred to as the father of modern philosophy (Stewart, 1997). Descartes believed that knowledge could be gained through deduction (Stewart, 1997).
Stewart (1997) suggests that deduction assists in the organization of recurring life experiences to understand the present and the future. According to Carney and Scheer (1974), deduction plays a scientific role in the following areas:
1) Deductive arguments are utilized to explain phenomenon or laws
2) Deductive arguments check the consistency and compatibility of theories
3) Deductions are utilized to derive testable consequences from theories
4) Deductions are involved in the application of science


References


        Brook, A. & Stainton, R. J. (2000). Knowledge and mind: A philosophical
introduction. Cambridge, MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

        Carney, J. D. & Scheer, R. K. (1974). Fundamentals of logic (2nd ed.).
New York: Macmillan Publishing Co.

        Hurley, P. J. (1982). A concise introduction to logic. Belmont, Ca: Wadsworth
Publishing Co.

        Kemp, D.A. (1976). The nature of knowledge. Hamden, CT: Linnet Books.

        Pryor, J. Philosophical terms and methods: Vocabulary describing
arguments. Retrieved September 9, 2000 from the World Wide Web:
http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/%7Ejpryor/general/vocab/validity.html

        Runkle, G. (1978). Good thinking: An introduction to logic. New York: Holt,
Rinehart, and Winston.

        San Jose State University. Instititute of Teaching and Learning. Critical Thinking.
Retrieved September 8, 2000 from the World Wide Web:
http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/deduc.html

        Stewart, A. F. (1997). Elements of knowledge: Pragmatism, logic, and inquiry.
Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University Press.