What is the difference between inductive and deductive inference?

What is the difference between inductive and deductive inference?

Deductive reasoning involves syllogisms and can result in definite conclusions whereas inductive reasoning is based on evidence and results in conclusions that are probably true (not definately true).

An easy example of deductive reasoning (syllogism) to remeber is the one that has been used in the book-
1.All birds are animals.
2.All animals eat food.
_________________
Therefore, all birds eat food.

In contrast in inductive reasoning validity is not considered when evaluating it, but rather how strong the argument is. The premises are based on observation of one or more specific cases, and we generalize from these cases to a more general conclusion:

An example could be:
-Every life form we know of depends on liquid water to exist
-All life depends on liquid water to exist.

Deductive reasoning starts out with a general statement to reach a logical conclusion. If something is true of a class of things in general, it is also true for all members of that class.

Inductive reasoning makes broad generalizations from specific observations. The conclusion does not necessarily follow logically from the statements.

Scientists use inductive reasoning to form hypotheses and theories. Deductive reasoning allows them to apply the theories to specific situations.