Reasoning, however, proceeds not only in different wholes, but in different aspects of the same whole. We may, it is evident, regard any whole, considered as the complement of its parts, in either of two ways; for we may, on the one hand, look from the whole to the parts, and reason accordingly downwards; or, on the other hand, look from the parts to the whole they constitute, and reason accordingly upwards. The former of these reasonings is called Deductive, the latter Inductive. Deductive reasoning is founded on the maxim, What belongs to the containing whole. belongs also to the contained parts;' Induction, on the contrary maxim, 'What belongs to the constituent parts belongs also to the constituted whole.' Thus, in Deductive reasoning, the whole is stated first, and what is affirmed of it is affirmed of the parts it contains; in other words, a general law is laid down, and predicated of the particular instances to which it applies. In Inductive reasoning, the parts are first stated, and what is predicated of them is also predicated of the whole they constitute; in other words, the particular instances are first stated as facts, and then the law they constitute is evolved. 4. From Hedge's Elements of Logick, Ed. 1854, pp. 118, 119. Syllogism (Deduction) and induction proceed in opposite directions. Induction . . begins with individual objects, as they exist in nature, and ascends by successive steps to the most general truths. Syllogism (=Deduction) begins where inductions terminates. It commences with some universal proposition, and follows back the footsteps of the former process, transferring at each stage the predicate of the more general to the less general rank of beings; or, in other words, predicating the genus of the species, and the species of the individual. Syllogism (=Deduction) is employed with advantage in communicating to others, in an exact and perspicuous manner, the general principles of science. It may also be used with success in exposing the weakness of arguments, stated in loose or figurative language. But it is of no service in helping us to the discovery of new truths. "We must know a thing first," Mr. Locke observes," and then we can prove it syllogistically." ABBOTT (Jacob). Gentle Measures in the Man New The Teacher. Moral Influences employed I 75 ABBOTT (J. S. C.) The Child at Home; or, The I 00 I 00 The Mother at Home; or, The Principles 3 60 I 50 ALDEN (J.) Outlines on Teaching. 12o. New 25 York. 2.50 ALISON (A.) Essays on the Nature and Principles 12o. New York. I 50 of Taste. AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL MONTHLY. 2.00 IO vols. Per set $5.00; each 75 Education and the State. 8°. London. I 50 I 00 |