In today’s world of endless information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting claims. So, how do you separate fact from opinion? Understanding different types of reasoning, like inductive and abductive, can help.

Take the statement

“The Earth orbits the Sun.”

This is an objective claim backed by scientific evidence gathered through inductive reasoning—scientists observed patterns over time that led to this conclusion. Inductive reasoning builds general truths based on repeated observations.

But what if you don’t have repeated evidence? That’s when abductive reasoning comes into play. It involves making the best possible guess based on available information. For example, if you hear hoofbeats, you assume it’s a horse, not a zebra, because horses are more common. Abductive reasoning helps us make practical assumptions when we lack certainty.

To evaluate truth, ask yourself: Is this claim supported by solid evidence (inductive reasoning)? Or is it a logical guess based on what’s likely (abductive reasoning)? Understanding these can help you discern what’s fact and what’s opinion.