Deduction is the ability to reason logically, making inferences, guided by an incomplete picture of what is happening. This skill can be useful in daily life and work. We will try to tell you how to develop deductive thinking skills and use them in life.
Induction and deduction
In logic, there are two ways to come to a conclusion - induction and deduction.
Deduction (from Lat. Derivation) leads the researcher from the general to the study of the particular, that is, the components. A deductive inference is called a conclusion in which conclusions about a separate component of a phenomenon, object or process are made on the basis of information about the entire process, phenomenon, object.
Induction (from lat. Inductio - guidance) implies an approach from the particular to the general. That is, on the basis of data about any parts of the object of knowledge, one can draw a conclusion about the group of phenomena as a whole. In general, the inductive approach can be described as gaining knowledge by collecting data step by step. Conan Doyle's character used both methods, not in the least favoring one of them. Only popular rumor made deduction the signature method of the detective, completely forgetting that one method is inseparable from another. Sherlock Holmes at the crime scene or assessing others, often went from private to general and back, freely moving in both directions.
Thinking training
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If you observe yourself while making decisions, you can notice how the brain at the very first second suggests an idea, the correctness or incorrectness of which is impossible to assess. This so-called "quick thinking" reacts to the problem with lightning speed in order to solve it as soon as possible and move on to the next one. In some cases, the “quick thinking” method works, but for a true detective it is worth working more on “slow thinking”, which is responsible for conclusions, assessments and balanced decisions.
Another way to develop deductive thinking is to read fiction. Conjecturing the author's intention is pure deduction. The consciousness heated up by an interesting novel will work hard on other tasks that arise on the path of life.
The development of slow thinking is greatly influenced by the solution of ordinary school problems. Take a couple of physics textbooks for grade 7 and try to solve all the examples from there. It will be a wonderful brain training and will lay in it scenarios for solving complex problems with several unknowns.
Corrosiveness is a quality that is absolutely necessary for a true master of deduction. But true corrosiveness is unthinkable without curiosity. Therefore, areas that arouse curiosity should be used as a testing ground for practicing deductive skills. Having worked out the scheme on the things of interest, it will be easy to apply it for any task. Emotional perception of an object leads to a deeper perception, which means the brain will work with double power.
Attention and analysis
In order to be able to notice details and correctly interpret them, exercises for the development of attention are required. Involuntary attention is a reaction to external stimuli in the absence of concentration on the subject. This includes the so-called peripheral vision, which is so useful for the driver. This quality can only be developed by training, observing objects in conditions of poor visibility or with many distractions.
Using volitional effort, a person is able to focus on an object for only 20 minutes. Concentration training, for example, with this table, will help improve this result.
You can train your attention to detail by observing strangers. Analyzing their appearance, behavior, manner of speaking, one should consider the options for their profession, character and habits. This will help develop flexibility in thinking.
Technoasceticism
It should be remembered that the constant use of the Internet leads to the fact that we stop relying on our own brain, shifting the responsibility to an endless source of knowledge. Knowledge of mnemonics and the development of mindfulness are possible only in some isolation from newsfeeds and wikipedia. Therefore, block accounts and forward - into the world of skillful thinking and divine logic.