Scientific_Thinking_and_Method_GE3791.pptx

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1. GE3791 - Human Values and Ethics Unit III: Scientific Values Scientific Thinking and Method: Inductive and Deductive Thinking Presented by M.Aravindraj

2. What Is Scientific Thinking? • Systematic approach to understanding phenomena • Involves observation, experimentation, and reasoning • Builds on logic and evidence for making conclusions • Central to scientific values like truth and objectivity

3. Inductive and Deductive Thinking: Overview • Inductive Thinking: Moves from specific observations to broader generalizations • Deductive Thinking: Begins with a general theory or hypothesis and moves to specific conclusions

4. Inductive Thinking in Science • Process: Observation → Pattern → Hypothesis → Theory • Based on gathering specific data to form general laws or theories • Example: Noticing that the sun rises in the east each day → Concluding that the sun always rises in the east

5. Strengths and Weaknesses of Induction • Strengths: Encourages open-minded observation, useful in discovering new patterns • Limitations: Can lead to incorrect conclusions if based on incomplete data; conclusions are probabilistic, not certain

6. Deductive Thinking in Science • Process: Theory → Hypothesis → Observation → Confirmation • Starts with a general principle and applies it to specific cases • Example: All humans are mortal (general principle) → Socrates is human → Socrates is mortal

7. Strengths and Weaknesses of Deduction • Strengths: Provides certainty when premises are true, logical consistency • Limitations: Depends on the accuracy of initial premises, does not introduce new knowledge

8. How Inductive and Deductive Thinking Work Together • Science often uses a combination of both methods • Induction helps develop theories and hypotheses • Deduction tests those theories and refines understanding • Leads to a cycle of discovery and validation

9. Practical Examples in Scientific Research • Induction: Observing many cases of falling objects → Developing the theory of gravity • Deduction: Using the theory of gravity to predict how a new object will fall

10. Ethical Considerations in Scientific Methods • Using both methods responsibly ensures scientific integrity • Ethical use of inductive and deductive reasoning fosters honesty and transparency • Promotes accountability and reliability in scientific research

11. Summary • Inductive and Deductive thinking are foundational to scientific inquiry • Each method has strengths and limitations but works together to advance science • Emphasizing scientific values enhances ethical and responsible research practices

12. Questions & Discussion • Invite the audience to share their thoughts or ask questions about inductive and deductive methods in science