Abstract This paper takes a look back at classical philosophy to determine the origins of the deductive-nomonological model. The paper looks at the evolutionary nature of the model, which proceeds from the skepticism predominant in the Middle Ages towards the universals of Aristotle. The paper goes on to discuss subsequent philosophies that questioned whether universal laws can be described successfully. The paper concludes with a look at the views of the deductive nomological model held by scientific realists, nominalists and defendants of the model.
From the Paper "The Deductive-Nomological model of explanation is a logical process that was developed after World War II by Carl Hempel to derive working scientific explanations from laws that are created from the regular observation of phenomena, which can then be used to successfully predict the subsequent re-application of these laws. These laws are, in effect, explanations of phenomena or theories, and by using such explanations to predict new events we can successfully prove their validity. This theory relies heavily on the empiricism of Locke and others, but seeks to modify it in order to facilitate its application in the statistical methodologies commonly employed in the social scientists by logical positivists. Its history can be traced back to classical philosophy, where we find the question of ?universals,? where it was questioned whether universal laws described events successfully."
Abstract This paper deals with the application of macroeconomic principals to real-world problems, by detailing and analyzing instances in which the fictional protagonist makes deductions about criminal behavior patterns by using economic concepts.
From the Paper "Economics is not something the average person thinks of as being practical in an everyday sense. Most people"excepting those who are economists"are only exposed to economic thinking when they"re filing their tax returns, or when they"re trying to figure out why Alan Greenspan can announce that he doesn"t feel so well today and suddenly the stock market crashes (why is that, anyway"). Fortunately, Professor Henry Spearman is not an everyday person. In fact, the protagonist of Marshall Jevons? "A Deadly Indifference" proves that economic thinking can not only be practical, but can actually solve crimes. This came as no surprise to me, of course, because I am a regular viewer of ?The X-Files,? where such extraordinary things happen every week."
Abstract This paper explains that an inquiry system, which is a systematic investigation for producing knowledge by processing input through an operator for an output, acts as a guarantor for the operator to verify the conclusion of an issue. The author points out that deductive thinking is a scientific method in applying laws to come up with assumptions that can be tested. Observations are collected to deal with those assumptions, and then the laws will be confirmed by deductive thinking. The paper demonstrates the inductive approach by presenting the case of the relationship between the brightness of lighting while sleeping and myopia; however, it is hardly a cause-and-effect relationship, as many other factors are ignored. For example, the reading habits of children, genetic factors affecting their visual system, and the social status and the educational level of the family.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Inductive Approach
Deductive Approach
Multiple Realities
Dialectics
Case Study 1: Inductive Approach
The Relationship between the Brightness of Lighting While Sleeping and Myopia
Case Study 2: Deductive Approach
The Age of the Earth
Case Study 3: Multiple Realities
Searching for a Way to Save a Corporation
Case Study 4: Dialectic Approach
Complete Ban on Smoking in Indoor Area
Conclusion
From the Paper "For the strength of this approach, it can be used effectively in gaining the belief of people on propositions of past or present fact or value and it will often be a superior method in persuading others with presenting the facts and data the observer gathered. In this case, the physician concluded that the causality between the degree of the brightness in sleeping and the children's tendency to myopia, the findings of his research was clearly presented and his observation is seems to be scientific and believable, thus, after reading the article, many parents bought eyeshades for their children."
Abstract The paper focuses on Holmes' behaviors and actions, as well as the way that he interprets various clues in the story to support his deductive reasoning approach. The paper also contains crucial quotes from the story to back up each point that is made to show deductive reasoning.
From the Paper "Sherlock Holmes uses deductive reasoning to solve the mystery in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson are asked to investigate a murder mystery centered on the death of Sir Charles Baskerville. The approach that Holmes uses to solve the mystery is rather practical. He makes observations and pays particular attention to minute details in order to come to a conclusion. Holmes first exercises his deductive reasoning approach in the beginning of the book when he speaks to Watson about a walking stick that is in the apartment. He says, "…There are certainly one or two indications upon the stick. It gives us the basis for several deductions…" (Doyle 4). Holmes draws upon evidence and details before deciding on a concrete answer."
Abstract This paper explains that changing the U.S. tax system to a flat tax system with a broader tax base and lower tax rates has advantages and disadvantages over the current tax system, which is very complicated and has issues of inequity. The author points out that the
new tax system would broaden the tax base, lower tax rates and do
away with mortgage interest payments and state and local tax deductions. The paper states that, once the principles of a low flat rate tax on consumption with no deductions is established and all the special interest lobbies have been steamrollered, the logical next step is to scrap the income tax entirely.
From the Paper "Many groups may protest against a broadened tax base and lowered tax rates through a flat tax type initiative. Entities and individuals with tax shelters for example would be very angry about this change and likely would protest because they would be losing their tax shelters. Homeowners might also protest because of the abovementioned
predictions in regard to the housing market and how it might collapse under a flat tax initiative. And politicians who are entrenched in or have interests in maintaining the status quo will protest against change in the system and try to tie up the effectiveness and speed of the change."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of a missionary employing logic and meaning. The paper begins by defining meaning and logic. It then looks specifically at inductive and deductive logic and Eastern and Western logic. The paper discusses how each of these can be applied to daily life and how they should be employed by a missionary in the course of his work.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Meaning
Deductive Logic
Inductive Logic
Western Logic
Eastern Logic
Life Application
Conclusion
From the Paper "Inductive preaching is the reverse of deductive preaching. With this method, the preacher moves from context to text. They lead into the truth after interacting with the people. It is most effective with people towards the middle of the Engel Scale - those all the way at the negative end don't respond well to this, but those heading towards salvation and shortly after it seem to benefit most from these sorts of sermons. Done properly, it should expose the text of the Bible in the world of the listeners. Windsor compares it to watching a Polaroid develop. It generally feels less like a sermon. A Biblical example of this can be found in Acts 17 (Paul at Athens)."
Abstract This paper uses the movie "Rain Man" to illustrate the concepts of three thinking processes. The writer underscores the mechanics of deductive reasoning, creative thinking or reasoning and problem solving while citing examples from the movie as well as discussions on cognitive psychology.
From the Paper "The human thinking process is extremely complex. We have many ways of problem solving that we are not aware of but simply use. The movie Rain Man is an excellent illustration of what can happen if the processes are not complete or they are confused in our brains. Deductive reasoning, creative reasoning and problem solving are all intertwined and the movie about an autistic man provides a clear picture of the differences."
Abstract The paper describes how Jonathan Swift's essay, "A Modest Proposal" achieves success because it is a combination of satire, truth, and compassion. The writer proposes that by operating on these levels, Swift offers what looks like a very logical argument. The paper examines how, with a combination of inductive and deductive reasoning, argument by authority, satire, and his skillful use of words and statistics, Swift pulls a sleight of hand by convincing the reader that his idea is plausible before they even realize what he is actually suggesting. The paper concludes that Swift lets the reader decide for themselves the validity of his modest proposal.
From the Paper "Through induction, Swift proves that his theory will work because his conclusion is drawn from particular circumstances or facts. This can be seen when he writes about the current economical state in Ireland. He is relying on these facts and does not waver from them at all because he needs them to win his argument. Another way in which Swift successfully achieves his argument is through deduction, or rather, simple reasoning. Again, through satire, Swift is able to introduce a grotesque theory almost painlessly because of how he arranges his argument. For instance, the focal point of Swift's argument relies completely on the negative effect of the hopeless women with their hungry babies on the streets."
This essay deals with the issue of how relevance is established for an inductive argument, and how this process can be encouraged and supported based on an argument given by Patrick Hurley in his paper, "A Concise Introduction to Logic".
Abstract The author of this paper presents an analysis of inductive reasoning based on Patrick Hurley's text on the terms "necessary" and "sufficient". The author states that it should be somewhat easier to demonstrate relevance for an inductive argument, as the association to be established is not as strong as in deductive reasoning. Also, based on criteria established in this paper,the author asserts that, in order to establish relevance in an inductive argument, one must establish that the criterion being argued for is a necessary condition. However, the author asserts that in order to support establishing relevance for an inductive argument, one should insist that each premise be rigorously examined to ascertain whether it is in fact necessary.
From the Paper "In Hurley's terms, we might say that what we need to establish relevance for an inductive argument would be to show that the stipulated criterion was a necessary condition. However, because we are only trying to show a probable connection, we do not need to show that the criteria was a sufficient condition, nor do we need to establish that it is relevant by showing that it is a sufficient and necessary condition. In Hurley's terms, what is necessary to evaluate the strength of an argument is to know 'whether the probability of the conclusion rests upon the evidence given in the premises' (Hurley 379). What Hurley is really saying here is that the strength of an inductive argument rests partly on the relevance of its conditions."
Abstract The paper examines the article "Selective Memory and a Dishonest Doctrine" and shows how the author, Noam Chomsky, effectively uses the devices of ethos and logos and to a lesser extent, pathos and deductive logic. The paper therefore illustrates how Chomsky's article is an excellent example of rhetoric that shows how even the use of a few rhetorical devices is enough to build a powerful argument.
From the Paper "Chomsky is a very well known and highly regarded name in the field of political theories, linguistics and language. The first thing that strikes a reader about his work is his name. The fact that Chomsky has a reputation for being objective and deep, automatically lends credibility to his work. So whatever he says would usually be acceptable without much questioning or argument. This goes in his favor and thus we can say that Chomsky effectively used the device of ethos."
Abstract The paper explains how Plato's allegory of the cave acknowledges our ability to learn about the ideal world by observations of our shadow-world. The paper then focuses on how the accounting profession must grapple with the discrepancy between the ideal and the real and the difficulty of arriving at the truth through deduction and induction.
From the Paper "The "Allegory of the Cave" is a fable told by the Greek philosopher Socrates in the classic philosophical work by Plato known as the Republic. It is a story that is designed to illustrate the imperfect state of human knowledge. In the allegory, Socrates describes a situation where human beings are in a dark cave where they are unable to see anything without the light of fire. A kind of campfire burns behind them, created by false hands of deceivers, not by the hands of truth. The humans are chained to the rocks, unable to explore and to move beyond the walls of the cave and see something different than what they are forced to see, because of their physically bound state. These human beings represent all humanity. What is so tragic about our state is that we do not know that we are bound, and that our knowledge is limited, by and large--unless we are philosophers like Socrates."
This paper is a research plan to understand how external events influence information systems (IS) strategy and design, to identify potential negative impacts and to reconcile ethical issues.
Abstract This paper critiques the three basic enquiry methods, described in the paper, which are the simple mode, including inductive consensual and analytic-deductive methods, the complex mode, including the multiple realities method, and the innovative mode, including the unbounded systems thinking (UST) method. The author points out that the rationale behind the PEST analysis is that there must be a fit between the capabilities of the company and the external environment if the company is to survive. The paper uses HP company as the example for analysis and the project of the future.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Task 1 - Modes of Enquiry
Critique of Modes of Enquiry
Inductive-Consensual
Analytic-Deductive Multiple Realities
Unbounded System Thinking, UST
Task 2 - External Environments
Company Introduction
PEST Analysis
Political
Economic
Socio-Cultural
Technological Environment
Task 3 - Impact on IS Strategy
Enterprise Virtualization
High-end Printing 16
Mobility
Acquisitions
Lay-Offs
Ethical Issues
Task 4 - The Next Five Years
From the Paper "By concentrating on the three major business and aligning them with the IS strategy, HP ensures that the needs and requirements of growing technological trends will be met. In addition to the technology factors, the social factors in terms of lay-offs will have to be considered since human resources are always an important factor in IS strategy and design. Further, acquisition of other companies or technology entities to feel the IS niche is a viable option to safeguard their status as a technology leader."
Abstract This paper looks at how, by using the method of doubt, Descartes claims to have proven with deductive clarity and distinctness that God exists. In particular, the paper examines how the deductive, scientific nature of Descartes' proof of God's existence seems to be the primary target of Pascal's criticism. The paper concludes that there is no contradiction in Pascal's being a Christian apologist and criticizing Descartes for including God in the "Meditations" and that Pascal's particular theology holds that God is too profound to be proven.
From the Paper "Perhaps it is true that Descartes would have been willing to dispense with God, if he had not needed to appeal to the church in order for his work to be accepted. The first part of Pascal's criticism is fair in that sense, but because of the difficulty in confirming the statement, it is not an especially forceful criticism. The second part of the criticism, when Pascal writes that Descartes "had to make Him give a [finger snap] to set the world in motion," is not only an unfair criticism but is mischaracterizes Descartes' treatment of God. Nowhere in the Meditations does Descartes posit a finger snap or any other divine action as the force setting the world in motion. In fact, this level of cosmology was well beyond Descartes' intended scope."
Abstract This paper examines the various characteristics that separate man from animals specifically the trait of rationality.
From the Paper "Seeing things from the philosophical point of view, according to philosopher John Stuart Mill, rationality is summed up into having five qualifications: #1. Deduction: example: All seagulls are white. (major premise) This bird is black. (minor premise) Therefore this bird is not a seagull. (conclusion) #2. Induction: example: From particulars, we go to universals; example: After putting my hands in the fire a lot of times, I concluded fire burns. #3. Comparison: example: We compare and contrast then conclude something, we generalize. #4. Goals / Ends: example: Substantive rationality, we think and plan for future wants and needs. #5. Means / Tools: example: Instrumental rationality, we use means for an end. John Stuart Mill also broke down man as a person into having six distinctive qualities. #1. Personality, #2. conscience, #3. rationality, #4. feelings, #5. love, and #6. knowledge."
Abstract The following paper examines the many definitions and deductions about Karl Marx's work. It discusses his basic theory of socialism, the main theme of his theory which is the struggle between classes and how it affects each social group in turn and the influence of his work on others.
From the Paper ?Ultimately, Marx would like to see the destruction of the ?bourgeoisie,? the upper class that dominates society because of money and position. This class was the dominant class of Marx's day, and the one he found the most destructive. To attain this goal, Marx felt that people needed to give up their private property. Everything should be owned in common, then there would be no division of classes, everyone would be the ?same.? The ?proletariat,? the workers of the world, would come to dominate society, because of the great need for workers during the Industrial Revolution and beyond.?
