WOK Spotlight: Reason

Theory of KnowledgeMs. Bauer

What is Reason? “Reason allows us to go beyond the

immediate experience of our senses. It is closely linked to logic—the deducing of valid conclusions from given starting points or premises. Human reasoning can also be inferential in nature, allowing conclusions to be drawn that cannot be strictly deduced from their premises.” IB Theory of Knowledge Guide

What is Reason?

Reason is: Using reliable and logical evidence

to explain and justify our beliefs A critical thinking skill

How we determine cause and effect relationships

How we distinguish truth from falsehood

How we form arguments

Logical ReasoningInductive Reasoning

From the particular to the general

Leads to a probable conclusion

Used to form hypotheses

A is usually B

B is C

A is probably also C

Deductive Reasoning

From the general to the particular

Leads to a certain conclusion

Used to test hypotheses

A is always B

B is C

A is certainly C

Khan Academyhttp://youtu.be/GEId0GonOZM

Logical ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Aristotle was mortal.

All people are mortal.

Aristotle was probably a man.

Wally purrs a lot.

All cats purr sometimes.

Wally is probably a cat.

Deductive Reasoning

All people are mortal.

Aristotle was a man.

Aristotle was mortal.

All cats have whiskers.

Wally is Ms. Bauer’s cat.

Wally has whiskers.

Evaluating Reason

Validity

An argument is valid when it is IMPOSSIBLE for the premise to be true while the conclusion is false

The conclusion must be true is the premises are true

Can lead to fallacious arguments

Soundness

An argument is sound when it is valid AND when its premises are true

Is reason reliable as a way of knowing?

Reason as WOK

Reason

Math

Natural Sciences

Human Sciences

EthicsHistory

The Arts

Religious

Knowledge