THE 7 TYPES OF REASONING AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - PSYCHOLOGY - 2024

The types of reasoning are the different ways in which human beings are able to reach conclusions, make decisions, solve problems and evaluate aspects of our lives. Some of these types are based on logic or evidence, while others have more to do with feelings.

In principle, none of the kinds of reasoning is better or more valid than the others. However, it is necessary to understand that each of them is more suitable for a type of context. At the same time, the results of some of these types are more reliable than those of others.

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The reasoning is formed by a set of complex psychological skills, which allow us to relate different information and draw conclusions. This usually happens on a conscious level, but can sometimes happen automatically, as a result of our unconscious processes.

Understanding what each of the types of reasoning consists of, how they work and in what contexts it is appropriate to apply them is essential to properly function in our daily lives. Furthermore, it is also very important for fields like science or mathematics. In this article we will study the most important ones.

Types of reasoning and their characteristics

Depending on the author or the current that we are studying, we can find different classifications of the kinds of reasoning. However, one of the most accepted is the one that distinguishes between seven different ways of reasoning.

According to this classification, the most important types of reasoning would be the following: deductive, inductive, abductive, inductive backwards, critical thinking, counterfactual thinking, and intuition. Next we will see what each of them consists of.

Deductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning is a logical process by which a conclusion is reached starting from several premises that are assumed to be true. This way of thinking is sometimes known as "top-down reasoning," because it starts from the general to study a particular situation.

Deductive reasoning is a fundamental part of disciplines such as logic or mathematics, and also in some areas of science. It is considered one of the most powerful and irrefutable types of reasoning, and its conclusions (if one starts from certain premises that are true) in principle cannot be denied.

To carry out deductive reasoning, tools such as syllogisms, chained propositions and inferences are often used, all of which belong to the field of logic. In addition, there are different subtypes, among which the categorical, the proportional and the disjunctive stand out.

However, despite the fact that the conclusions drawn from well-performed deductive reasoning are irrefutable, the truth is that this way of thinking can lead to many problems. For example, it is possible that the premises from which one starts are wrong; or that cognitive biases interfere in the process.

Because of this, it is necessary to carry out a deductive reasoning carefully, examining in depth the veracity of the premises and checking if an adequate conclusion has been reached.

Inductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning is a logical process in which several premises, which are assumed to be true all the time or most of the time, are combined to reach a specific conclusion. Generally, it is used in environments that require making predictions, and in which we cannot draw conclusions through a deductive process.

In fact, most of the time this type of reasoning is considered the opposite of deductive thinking. Thus, instead of starting from a proven general theory to predict what will happen in a particular case, many independent cases are observed to try to find a pattern that always or almost always applies.

One of the most important characteristics of inductive reasoning is that it is less based on logic and more on probability than deductive. Because of this, its conclusions are not as reliable as those of the first one we have seen. Even so, it is usually adequate enough that we can use it in our day to day life.

On the other hand, by inductive reasoning it is not possible to draw irrefutable conclusions. If, for example, a biologist observed a large number of primates feeding on plants, he could not say that all monkeys are herbivores; although this type of reasoning would allow you to indicate that the majority are.

At times, we may find that this type of thinking is known as "bottom-up reasoning," as opposed to deductive.

Abductive reasoning

Abductive reasoning is a form of logical inference that begins with an observation or set of observations, and then tries to find the simplest and most probable explanation for them. Unlike what happens with deductive reasoning, it produces plausible conclusions that cannot be verified.

In this way, the conclusions drawn from abductive reasoning are always open to doubt or to the existence of a better explanation for a phenomenon. This form of logical thinking is used in scenarios where you do not have all the data, and therefore neither deduction nor induction can be used.

One of the most important concepts in abductive reasoning is that of Ockham's razor. This theory postulates that, when there are two or more possible explanations for a phenomenon, generally the true one is the simplest. Thus, with this type of logic, explanations that seem less probable are discarded in order to remain with the most plausible.

Inductive backward reasoning

Also known as "hindsight induction," backward inductive reasoning consists of trying to find the best possible plan of action by analyzing the results you want to obtain. In this way, the desired final situation is observed, and the necessary steps to reach it are studied.

Inductive backward reasoning is mainly used in fields such as artificial intelligence, game theory or economics.

However, it is increasingly being applied in areas such as psychology or personal development, especially in the area of ​​goal setting.

Retrospective induction is far from being infallible, since it depends on a series of inferences about the results of each of the steps that are to be taken before reaching the desired goal. However, it can be very helpful in finding the action plan most likely to bring success.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is a type of reasoning that is based on the objective analysis of a situation in order to form an opinion or judgment about it. To be considered critical thinking, the process has to be rational, skeptical, free from bias, and based on factual evidence.

Critical thinking seeks to draw conclusions by observing a series of facts in an informed and systematic way. It is based on natural language, and as such can be applied to more fields than other types of reasoning, such as deductive or inductive.

Thus, for example, critical thinking is especially indicated for the analysis of so-called "partial truths", also known as "gray areas", which tend to pose an insurmountable problem for classical formal logic. It can also be used to examine more complex aspects such as opinions, emotions or behaviors.

Counterfactual thinking

Counterfactual or counterfactual thinking is a type of reasoning that involves examining situations, elements, or ideas that are known to be impossible. It usually involves reflecting on past decisions, and what could have been done differently in a previous situation.

In this way, counterfactual thinking can be very useful when examining the decision-making process itself. By trying to think about what would have happened differently if we had acted differently, we can come to conclusions about the best way to behave in the present.

Counterfactual thinking is also very useful for historical and social analysis. Thus, for example, after a warlike conflict between two nations, it is possible to examine the causes of the conflict and try to find a way to resolve similar situations in the future without leading to an armed problem.

Intuition

The last type of reasoning that is usually studied is intuition. This process is quite different from the other six, since it does not involve a rational process. On the contrary, its conclusions appear automatically, as a consequence of the work of the subconscious mind.

Although we do not know exactly how intuition works, it is often considered to be made up of both innate elements (something similar to the instincts of other animal species) and experience. Therefore, despite not being able to be used directly, it would be possible to train it.

Intuition is largely based on drawing conclusions in situations similar to others that we have already experienced in the past. As such, it has a lot to do with dominance in an area.

This is so to such an extent that intuitive reasoning is usually studied in the context of people with an expert level in a given task.

References

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