Artificial Intelligence Programming Practice Exam

The provided answer accurately identifies inductive reasoning as the correct type of reasoning that involves constructing or evaluating propositions based on observing individual instances. Inductive reasoning allows for generalizations to be made from specific observations, leading to broader conclusions that are not guaranteed to be universally true but are likely based on the evidence available.

For instance, when observing that the sun has risen in the east every day, one might conclude that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow. This reasoning builds a proposition based on repeated individual instances, which is a hallmark of inductive reasoning. It's important to understand that while inductive reasoning can lead to plausible conclusions, these conclusions can remain open to revision with new evidence or instances.

On the other hand, deductive reasoning works from general principles to reach specific conclusions, which contrasts with the approach of gathering individual cases to form broader propositions. Analytical reasoning focuses on breaking down arguments and understanding their components, while critical thinking encompasses a broader evaluation of information and reasoning processes without specifically aiming at constructing general propositions from instances.