Critical Thinking

Deductive Problem Solving Exercise

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO CHECK INTO YOUR HOTEL.

Which of the three flights remain as options?

In a real case, there would certainly be other assumptions and considerations. Is one assumption that you have at least $500 available to purchase a ticket?

Now, once you identified your options, the decision would involve apply deductive techniques with other premises, which might include preferences, overall cost, and a variety of others considerations.

Quantitative skills frequently play roles in deductive problem solving. Let's say that you assume that your time on the ground at your destination is valuable: you will be able to work and meet with other colleagues: let's say you estimate the value at $150 an hour. If we assume that monetary considerations are the only other preference to be considered in making your decision, can you now make your decision about which flight you should take?

You must be at a meeting tomorrow at 8:00pm.

The location of the meeting is one hour away from the airport.

If you take FLIGHT C, you will not be able to do either (check into the hotel or have lunch) AND you will be too tired to participate in the meeting.

If you take FLIGHT A, you will be able to have a late lunch at your favorite restaurant and check into your hotel.

If you take FLIGHT B, you will have time to check into your hotel, but not have lunch at your favorite restaurant.

YOU MUST NOT BEE TOO TIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR MEETING.

And

Applying Deduction in Problem Solving

Let's apply deductive reasoning techniques in solving a simple problem:

Problem: Which flight should I take tomorrow?

You are booking a flight at the last minute. There are only three options. 

FLIGHT A: Depart 9:30 am Arrive 12:00 (non-stop flight)

FLIGHT B: Depart 10:00 am Arrive 2:pm (one stop connecting flight)

FLIGHT C: Depart 11:00 am Arrive 5 pm (two connecting flights)

Flight A is $700.

Flight B is $500.

Flight C is $200.