TOPIC INFO (CUET PG)
TOPIC INFO – CUET PG (Philosophy)
SUB-TOPIC INFO – Philosophy (Section IV: Symbolic Logic)
CONTENT TYPE – Short Notes
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Deductive Logic
(Ethics)
CUET PG – Philosophy (Notes)
Deductive Reasoning
In deductive reasoning, the relationship between premises and conclusion is of necessity—the conclusion must follow if the premises are true.
Premises offer conclusive grounds for the conclusion, leaving no reasonable doubt.
Example:
P1: All men are mortal
P2: Mahatma Gandhi is a man
C: Mahatma Gandhi is mortal
The conclusion is already contained implicitly in the premises; reasoning makes it explicit.
Deductive arguments add no new information—they only clarify what’s already implied.
A valid deductive argument cannot have true premises and a false conclusion.
Deductive reasoning provides necessary and certain knowledge, valued for its logical clarity, not novelty.
Knowledge isn’t just acquiring new facts but involves critical, analytical reflection.
Denying the conclusion of a valid deductive argument contradicts accepted premises.
Validity is the key criterion: an argument is valid if the premises necessarily imply the conclusion; otherwise, it’s invalid.
In valid deductive arguments, the conclusion is equal to or less than the premises—never beyond.
Adding more premises to a valid argument doesn’t increase validity; removing a premise makes it invalid.