Field Blog Entry #12 - Reasoning (TOK)

Reasoning - when do we use it and how useful is it? 

Reason is one way of knowledge in TOK that can be used to understand known facts and support arguments. Reasoning can be distinguished between inductive and deductive. Both have strengths and weaknesses and this can be related to the “Newsweek: The Limits of Reason” by Sharon Begley. Deductive reasoning is when specific conclusion is drawn from general statements. It is less informative but more certain and can be valid logic but untrue. Inductive reasoning uses specific instances, based on experience and observation, to make a general conclusion. We use it to make generalization about the world based on past experience. In contrast to deductive reasoning, inductive is more informative but less certain. 

Confirmation bias is one example of a problem with inductive reasoning and it is the people’s tendency to see or remember only evidence that confirms or supports their beliefs. In the article, it states that “the reason we succumb to confirmation bias, why we are blind to counterexamples… is that these lapses have a purpose: they help us “devise and evaluate arguments that are intended to persuade other people.”” I think the quote is implying that confirmation bias may be dangerous in reasoning but it helps us acknowledge and improve our argument which is how reason is used. Inductive reasoning can help to strengthen an argument if used right which is what the article is saying. In addition, Begley states that “failures of logic are in fact effective ploys to win arguments.” This adds further support for the fact that reasoning, which uses logic that may be right or wrong to be informative, can be efficient in debates and arguments.

In addition, reasoning is very helpful because “we tend to look harder for flaws in a study when we don’t agree with its conclusions and are more critical of evidence that undermines our point of view.” This is a condition that needs to be met to know that your conclusions are true. Making sure that your premises are logical and true is important in coming up with a good conclusion. By making people be attentive for flaws, which may be true or false, it prepares them with new arguments and be convincing. According to the article, “reason is supposed to be the highest achievement of the human mind, and the route to knowledge and wise decisions.” I agree with this quote because through reasoning, one can fix their failures and improve their reasoning to come up with successful arguments and make wise, true conclusions. True premises lead to true conclusions so if people become more careful with their reasoning they will be able to make good conclusions.