This document defines and compares inductive and deductive reasoning. It also explains the concept of a syllogism. Inductive reasoning uses specific examples to support a generalized conclusion, while deductive reasoning presents a claim and then provides evidence to support that conclusion. A syllogism asserts that if the major and minor premises are true, then the logical conclusion must also be true. The document provides an example syllogism and notes that most arguments cannot be reduced to a simple syllogism but may incorporate syllogistic elements. It concludes by offering suggestions for ending an argument decisively.