Consider the following argument:

Question

“The first time I wrote an exam, I became very nervous. During last semester's exam
it happened again, and I started sweating. I must definitely find a way to relax
before the next exam because it is bound to happen again.”
Explain how this argument was structured. Also indicate what type of reasoning was
used and what this will imply for the conclusion?

Answer 1

The argument you've presented is structured as an inductive reasoning process. Here's a breakdown of its components:

1. Premises:

   • The speaker references their experience during the first exam where they became very nervous.
   • They provide a second example from last semester's exam, during which they also felt nervous and started sweating.

2. Conclusion:

   • Based on these past experiences, the speaker concludes that they will experience anxiety again during the next exam and asserts the need to find a way to relax beforehand.

Type of Reasoning:

The reasoning used here is primarily inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves drawing general conclusions based on specific observations or experiences. In this case, the speaker is using their past experiences with exams as a basis to predict future behavior (i.e., becoming nervous again).

Implications for the Conclusion:

Because the reasoning is inductive, the conclusion is not guaranteed to be true. It is based on the probability derived from past experiences rather than a logical certainty. The speaker assumes that their past nervousness will repeat itself but fails to consider possible changes in situation, preparation, or coping strategies that could alter their response during the next exam. Thus, while the conclusion is a reasonable extrapolation based on previous observations, it is not definitively true and acknowledges a level of uncertainty.