The paper reviews three modes of rational inference: deductive, inductive and probabilistic. Many examples of each can be found in scientific endeavour, professional practice and public discourse.

Deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning are easy to mix up. Learn what the difference is and see examples of each type of scientific reasoning.

However, there are also, of course, various forms of non-deductive reasoning. Indeed, abduction itself is one of these. What is to be said about the way of choosing the best theory of non-deductive ...

And in perfect contrast… Deductive reasoning moves from general to specific. Before we learn what deductive reasoning is, it would be helpful to see what it’s like to think like Sherlock.

This study, entitled “Seeing inferences: brain dynamics and oculomotor signatures of non-verbal deduction ”, was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.