Statements: All metals conduct electricity. Copper is a metal. Conclusion: Copper conducts electricity. This is an example of

  • A. deductive reasoning that is valid
  • B. inductive reasoning
  • C. an invalid conclusion
  • D. circular reasoning

Explanation

A general rule is applied to a specific case, which is deduction, and if the premises are true the conclusion cannot be false. Induction works the other way, generalising from particular observations to a rule. Deduction guarantees its conclusion while induction only makes it probable.

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