Abstract
There are several merits and demerits of different types of human reasoning. To begin with, reasoning can be empirical, ideological, or comparative. This paper focuses on the weaknesses and strengths, of these types of reasoning.
Introduction
The process of interpretation and making inferences about a certain subject, which is not familiar, with the help of human knowledge is called comparative reasoning. Comparative reasoning allows one to make a point about a subject by comparing it with another subject. This can be of immense use while evaluating something since it provides a standard against, which comparison can be made. It is a powerfully persuasive method of reasoning because of attraction to familiar things and connection to how individuals make conclusive decisions, justifications, and solve problems when they face incomplete information. The probabilistic explanations of hypothesis models help to make a projection on a subject.
Analysis
When using comparative reasoning, it is critical to make sure that the subject under comparison is parallel connected to ensure the possible solution to the problem. For example, comparing this year students’ performance in college with last year’s students’ one is not going to make any sense. Conclusively, this process of reasoning is to a great extent said to be questionable and risky due to its relevance, strengths, and soundness.
Empirical reasoning is a critical thinking process of science that expounds on the description of null versus alternative hypothesis on interpersonal verifiable experiences. It involves the generation of hypotheses and tests them experimentally. It is pillared by quantitative evidence that can be variable, measurable, and open to revision.
Arguments based on empirical thinking are taken to be truthful on the basis of observation and critics and interpretation of hypothesis. It is known as the most authoritative method of reasoning. This type of reasoning results in new knowledge, which can take control of a discussion. Regrettably, empirical reasoning research is incredibly difficult, costly, and time-consuming to conduct.
Ideological reasoning involves making top-down judgments and decisions based on what fits the framework of individuals’ values. It acts as guidance to a person’s thinking especially in social and political matters as they are a part of day-to-day life It also has a significant effect on shaping our community and individual identities. Ideological reasoning is vastly reliable to some extent for all the individuals, especially when considering questions on policies or trying to decide what is ethically right or wrong.
However, ideological reasoning is more disadvantageous than an advantageous form of reasoning. As we can easily find ourselves advocating or championing and defending views that are ill-advised and harmful and/or the reasoning does not seek to persuade those who do not believe in the principles of ideology. For example, if an individual believes in a certain human right, he or she won’t be able to convince those who think the right is not decisive. In a political or social set up, ideological reasoning can result in war, genocide, and human misery.
Conclusion
Empirical reasoning to a large extent is a valuable form of reasoning compared to comparative and ideological reasoning. As it is supported by raw data collected from observation and interpretation of the subject. When scientific and social researchers are conducting their research, they involve the data collection process which helps in the credibility of their study, and the information gathered can be trusted and used to make references. Recently, news on the effect of mobile phones on human brains and the reproductive system has gone viral. However, there has been no empirical research that has stated that such news has not created anxiety among phone users.