BLOCK-2 INTRODUCTION

Reasoning is the cognitive process of searching answers to problems, puzzles, etc. What is more
astonishing is the fact that humans have rare ability to reason about reasoning itself. This two-
fold function of reasoning is the kernel of philosophy. Different forms of reasoning occur in
different fields. In philosophy, the study of reasoning typically focusses on what makes
reasoning efficient or inefficient, appropriate or inappropriate, good or bad. Last but not the least,
limits of reason is not ignored by philosophy. Philosophers attend to this programme by either
examining the structure of reasoning within arguments, or by considering broader methods used
to reach particular goals of reasoning. A philosopher’s approach to reasoning is different from
psychologist’s approach. A psychologist is interested in knowing the way in which people
reason, neural processes which are involved in reasoning, the influence of cultural factors etc.
One approach to the study of reasoning is to identify various forms of reasoning that may be
used to support or justify conclusions.

There are two main divisions in logic; deductive and inductive reasoning. Deductive logic
characterises mathematical method.’ Deductive logic, also known as formal logic, deals with
distinction between correct reasoning and flawed or fallacious reasoning. The study of inductive
reasoning is carried out within the field known as philosophy of science. The present block,
consisting of 4 units, introduces these elements.

Unit1 deals with ‘Meaning and Kinds of Reasoning.’ In this unit you will become familiar with
the role played by reasoning and inference in the development of logic. You will be exposed to
objections to interpret logic as concerned with reasoning and inference and consequent shift in
the understanding of the nature of logic.

Unit 2 highlights ‘Deductive Reasoning.’ It introduces you to one type of deductive argument
known as immediate inference. A study of this topic demands that two key terms are explained;
truth-conditions, which define, what are called, logical relations and second distribution of terms.
Exhaustive account of traditional and modern analyses of distribution makes your study fruitful.

Unit 3 explains the meaning of ‘Dilemma and Fallacies.’ Through this unit you will become
familiar with the limitations of dilemma. It also helps you to understand how a dilemma borders
on abuse of reason. What fallacies reveal is startling. They help you to realise that while there are
innumerable ways of reasoning wrongly, there is only one way of reasoning rightly. It is
important to remember that in order to know what is right it is necessary to know what is wrong.

Unit 4 helps you to know something about the nature of science which is concealed in scholastic
study of science carried out by practising scientists. This study is inward in the sense that it goes
beyond physical laboratory. After you are through this unit you will realise that science has one
more component, viz. intellectual laboratory a complement of the former.