A simple definition of logic is the study of the principles of correct reasoning. And there are several different types of reasoning, but only one that leads to definite truth. So ask yourself when you have reached a conclusion in your studies; does it pass the logic test?

M. Rodriquez posted the following description of the different types of reasoning on the website “The Bittersweet End”. It is a brief but thorough description and worth applying to Bible study.

 

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Reasoning is the capacity for a person to make sense of things, to establish & verify facts, to rationally work through data, information, facts, and beliefs. It is the process of forming conclusions and judgments from facts or premises. To put it plain and simple; it is the ability to coherently think from perceived premise to a logical conclusion.

There are two main types of reasoning: Deductive Reasoning and Inductive Reasoning.
However there are several other types of reasoning. Which are all related to each other.

Deductive Reasoning– Deductive reasoning is the form of reasoning in which a conclusion follows logically and coherently from the factual premises and proposition. These deductive arguments are based upon the concept of sound and consistent reasoning. If the premises are true, than the systematic reasoning with a constructed syllogism is considered valid in a deductive argument in making its conclusion certain with a degree of logical certainty. Plainly speaking, deductive reasoning is the rationality of reasoning from pure logic. It is considered sound and pure logic.

Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning is a form of reasoning that uses analogies, examples, observations, and experiences to form conclusive propositions. Inductive logic also uses experiences to formulate statements based on general observations of recurring patterns in nature, science, and everyday occurrences pulling from such things as samples cases, experiments, and natural eye observations. It is used mostly to explain properties and relations to objects or types based on previous observations. It must be understood that inductive arguments do not try to establish their conclusions through absolute certainty, but through observable and predictive certainty.
 In addition, Analogical Reasoning & Matrix Reasoning are both sub-methods of inductive reasoning that correlates information that compares the similarities between new & understood thoughts. And then uses the similarities to gain understanding of new concepts. These two forms of reasoning are considered both inductive reasoning because it strives to provide understanding of what is perceived to be true, rather than deductively proving something as fact.
Abductive Reasoning
In laymen’s terms abductive reasoning is an argument to the best explanation. It is a form of reasoning that concludes in an abductive argument of what is plausible or most possibly true. Abductive logic is also considered inference to the best explanation. It is choosing the most likely or best hypothesis or explanation based upon the (most) relevant evidence. Some people think that it is closer to inductive reasoning because it is not as sound logically as deducing an argument using pure logic as in deductive reasoning. Others think it is closer to deductive reasoning, because using sound logic one eliminates the most unlikely argument to come to the most reasonable solution. I like to call it, the best compromise between an inductive and deductive argument.

Reductive Reasoning
Reductive reasoning is a subset of argumentative reasoning which seeks to demonstrate that a statement is true by showing that a false or absurd result/circumstance follows from its denial. It is proving a statement true by reducing to the opposite of it and showing the absurdity of the opposite result. It is logically reasoning to the absurd or reducing to the absurd; hence the name why reductive reasoning is also called Reductio ad absurdum (Latin: “reduction to absurdity”). Reductive Reasoning is also considered a mixture of deductive & inductive reasoning. Inductive, because it strives to prove understanding of what is likely to be true. And deductive because it does resemble traits of critically and rationally of deductively reducing down to a conclusive or non-conclusive argument.

Fallacious Reasoning
Fallacious Reasoning is not real reasoning, it is the faulty premises for critical thinking and logic. One of the tell tail signs of fallacious reasoning is a logical fallacy. A fallacy is usually an error in reasoning and argumentation often due to a misconception, false premises, or presumptuous conclusions.

 Deductive Reasoning: What is (absolutely) true?
 Inductive Reasoning: What is observably (most) true?
 Abductive Reasoning: What is most likely true?
 Reductive Reasoning: What is NOT true?
 Fallacious Reasoning: What you think is true?

 

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Unfortunately most of us use the last type of reasoning accepting what we think or believe is true in spite of the Bible’s command to prove all things.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

We accept what feels or seems right even though God warned us twice in Proverbs not to trust our instincts.

Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 16:25 (KJV)
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

God also informed us of the way we could find truth.

Psalm 33:4 (KJV) For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Psalm 40:10 (KJV) I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Psalm 119:160 (KJV) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

So we find truth in the word of God and we are commanded to live by every word of it. Which means we must consider every word written on a subject, and not cherry pick verses to support a pre-conceived idea.

Deuteronomy 8:3 (KJV) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Matthew 4:4 (KJV) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

We need pray for truth and understanding.

Psalm 25:5 (KJV) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalm 51:6 (KJV) Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Psalm 86:11 (KJV) Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

Before drawing any conclusion, make sure it passes the logic test. God gave us the tools, it is up to us to use them to the best of our ability.