Final answer:
A syllogism based on deductive reasoning is a logical argument that proceeds from a general principle to a guaranteed conclusion if the premises are true. Common forms of it include disjunctive syllogism and it is a crucial part of hypothesis-based science and empirical research.
Step-by-step explanation:
A syllogism based on deductive reasoning is a form of argument that, given certain premises, leads to a conclusion with certainty. Deductive reasoning, as opposed to inductive reasoning, starts with a generalization or universal rule and applies it to specific instances. An example of this form of reasoning is the disjunctive syllogism, which can be represented as follows:
- X or Y.
- Not Y.
- Therefore X.
For deduced conclusions to be true, the premises must also be true. This reasoning is vital in many fields, including hypothesis-based science, where from a general principle, specific predictions can be made. If those predictions are found to be accurate, this can validate the underlying general principle. For instance, if a warmer climate is predicted to alter the distribution of plants and animals, and such shifts are observed, this supports the validity of the claim that the climate is warming.
Deductive reasoning is also essential in testing scientific hypotheses, such as the requirement of all living things, including ducks, to need energy to survive. If ducks are living things, it follows that ducks require energy to survive. This use of deductive reasoning helps to construct empirical research.