10 Examples of Abductive Argument

Abductive argument

The abductive argument It is one that, starting from an affirmation or a fact, allows to extract a hypothesis. The reasoning used in these arguments is that of syllogism, which uses two parts or premises from which it draws a conclusion.

Types of reasoning

There are three types of reasoning:

Aristotle devised the most famous syllogism in history. By starting from true premises, he asserts that the conclusion is also true:

1st premise: all men are mortal

2nd premise: Socrates is a man

However, true premises are not always used, and consequently the conclusion sometimes is not. For example:

1st premise: All Orientals practice Buddhism

2nd premise: Juan is oriental

The risk with this type of reasoning is that the premises are taken as accurate and conclusions are drawn from there. However, we know that not all Orientals practice Buddhism, so a wrong conclusion can be reached. Therefore, it is important to confirm that the premises are correct in order to reach appropriate conclusions.

Examples of abductive argument

1st premise: The most elegant women shop at Alicia's store.

2nd premise: Rosa is an elegant woman.

1st premise: Today is a sunny day.

2nd premise: On sunny days we go for a walk with my dad.

1st premise: The drug is consumed by many young people.

2nd premise: Many young people have free time.

Premise 1: The kitchen floor was wet today.

2nd premise: The refrigerator lost water.

1st premise: All truckers are womanizers.

2nd premise: Pedro is a road worker.

1st premise: Uruguayans are nice and calm people.

2nd premise: Carlos and María are nice and calm.

1st premise: The wallets in your store are very expensive.

2nd premise: Sofia only buys expensive handbags.

1st premise: The restaurant was always packed with tourists.

2nd premise: Rodrigo is a tourist.

1st premise: The neighbors are noisy.

2nd premise: Sabrina is my neighbor.

1st premise: All the birds in this area migrate in winter.

2nd premise: This is a bird.