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Do regresses-of-reasons go from particulars to generalities only, or can they mediate chains of just particulars or just generalities too?

User Jardine
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Final answer:

Regresses-of-reasons can involve either reasoning from particulars to generalities or from generalities to specifics, and they can also mediate chains of reasoning between just particulars or generalities. Logical construction allows for the tracing of observations back to premises, and it is essential to avoid stereotyping when employing generalizations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regresses-of-reasons do not solely progress from particulars to generalities; they can also involve chains of reasoning between just particulars or just generalities. Reasoning from specific instances to generalities, is an inductive process where specific observations lead to broader conclusions. Conversely, reasoning from generalities to specific instances uses accepted general theories to explain or predict particular instances. Furthermore, it is possible to reason from one generality to another or from one particular instance to another, though this may be less common in conventional inductive reasoning frameworks.

Logical construction plays a vital role in understanding and explaining the world by tracing back from observed phenomena to the premises that account for them. This reconstructing process can pertain either to the general or the particular, depending on the context. Importantly, when engaging in reasoning, be it deductive or inductive, it is crucial to consider reasonable pluralism and avoid generalizations that could lead to stereotyping, which fails to recognize the uniqueness of individuals within a group.