Deductive reasoning is more understandable when compared to inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning is the type of argument where the input propositions hardly define the truth of the conclusion. However, in deductive reasoning, the assumptions must justify the end[1]. That is, the premises must be accurate, and the outcome must always be valid and relate to the input preposition. A company that uses inductive reasoning in their ad is Coca-Cola. This company will display a sweaty man drinking a brand of cola and feeling refreshed afterward. However, not everyone must have the same taste in a refreshment or even get the same sense as the man in the ad. Therefore, this kind of advertising employs an inductive type of reasoning. However, below are some print ads and commercials that apply deductive reasoning, but there are bright leaps in their argument. That is, their deductive reasoning in these ads are problematic because they may not be correct, and they are just meant to persuade consumers.
Companies can use persuasive and authoritative deductive reasoning, where they involve celebrities[2]. Their motive is to convince customers that they live would emulate stars when they apply the same products. The argument is deductive because, to some extent, it is logical. Using something that a personality uses means that the person assumes a part of the living of this celebrity, and they share something in common. Thus, the ad above uses deductive reasoning by appealing to the desire to live like a celebrity. This a deductive argument that strengths the persuasiveness of the advertisement. However, Marylyn Monroe may or may not be using the product. She may have been used as an endorser or as a means of attracting more customers, but the truth behind her using the product remains unknown. Also, the results of the shampoo are not guaranteed to make another hair bloom and grow like that of Monroe.
I would suggest that the organization employs a more logical persuasion that exceeds the authority of a celebrity. This is because deductive reasoning demands logic, and the outcome of using the product should be undisputable when compared against the assumptions[3]. Therefore, the organization should look for a reason why the particular shampoo stands out in the market against all the other brands. However, the ad as it is can be said to be misleading.
Deductive reasoning in ads is also used where there are numerous producers of a product, and a particular manufacturer attempts to convince the audience that its product is the best in the market. The above ad persuades consumers that coffee from Starbucks is the most logical option[4]. It insinuates the message that drinking coffee from Starbucks makes an individual explore their best selves. This kind of advertisement has been fueled with the narcissistic notion of the company that produces the best coffee in the market due to its present success and dominance in the coffee market. This kind of deductive reasoning would be sufficient if Starbucks were the only beverage company producing coffee. However, coffee-producing companies are all over the world, and it has never been scientifically proven that Starbucks provides the best in people. Thus, their deductive reasoning becomes problematic.
However, the company may try and pick out a gradient that exists in their coffee and completely missing in other brands. Then they should go ahead and display the importance of this ingredient that makes Starbucks coffee exclusive compared to other brands.
Bibliography
Knachel, Matthew. “Fundamental Methods of Logic”. Philosophy Faculty Books. Licensed Under CC-BY 4.0 Modifications make, 2017. Chapter 03, pp.68-116.
[1] Knachel Matthew, “Fundamental Methods of Logic”, 2017
[2] Knachel 2017
[3] Knachel 2017
[4] Knachel 2017