reasoning backward
Noun: 1. A logical process that begins with a conclusion and works backward to find supporting evidence: This is a form of reasoning where one starts from an assumed or desired conclusion and then seeks out facts or premises that would make that conclusion valid. It is often contrasted with forward, deductive reasoning.
This term is primarily used in formal contexts such as logic, philosophy, critical thinking, and argument analysis. It describes a specific methodological approach to constructing or analyzing an argument.
- In detective work, forming a hypothesis about a suspect and then searching for clues that fit that story is a form of reasoning backward.
- The philosopher criticized the argument for relying on reasoning backward from a predetermined ideological conclusion.
- To solve the complex puzzle, she employed reasoning backward, first envisioning the completed image and then determining which pieces must fit together.
- Retroduction or Abductive Reasoning: In philosophical and scientific contexts, "reasoning backward" is closely related to, and sometimes synonymous with, abductive reasoning. This is the process of inferring the most likely explanation or cause for an observed set of facts.
- Example: The doctor used abductive reasoning (or reasoning backward) to diagnose the illness, starting from the symptoms and working back to the probable disease.
- Backward Reasoning (noun phrase): An alternative phrasing with the same meaning.
- Retroductive Reasoning (noun): A more technical synonym.
- To reason backward (verb phrase): The action of employing this method.
- Example: We need to reason backward from our goal to create a practical plan.
- Retroduction
- Abductive reasoning
- Regressive reasoning
- Deductive reasoning (reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion)
- Forward reasoning
- Progressive reasoning
While sometimes used pejoratively to imply flawed logic that starts with a biased conclusion, in formal logic and problem-solving, reasoning backward is a recognized and often useful strategy for generating hypotheses, planning, and diagnostic work. Its validity depends on the rigor with which the supporting evidence is sought and evaluated.
- the reasoning involved when you assume the conclusion is true and reason backward to the evidence