In your Module 2 materials, you learn a bit about deductive reasoning. While this type of reasoning is characteristic of logic, mathematics, and geometry, there can be more fun ways to practice it. In fact, many riddles rely on deductive reasoning. For this weekly check-in, think about the following riddle without looking up the answer online:
While on a treasure hunt in the desert, you come to the place where X marks the spot on your treasure map. After clearing away the sand, you find three boxes. Each box has a message on it, but only one message is true. The gold is in one box and the other two boxes are empty. You can only open one box. You must deduce which box contains the gold.
Box 1 says: The gold is not here.
Box 2 says: The gold is not here.
Box 3 says: The gold is in Box 2.
Which box contains the gold? Which box has the true message?
Before reading any other posts, give your answers and the reasons for your answers in your own original thread. Then, read over your classmates’ posts and consider your answer in light of the other answers. Reply to at least two classmates, one who has the same answer as yours and one who has a different answer. Say whether or not you have changed your mind about your answer and why or why not.
Remember…don’t look the answer up online! Do your best to figure it out on your own. When you have the right answer, you will know you have the right answer and no one will be able to convince you otherwise. If you have the wrong answer, you will know your answer is wrong as soon as you see the explanation for the correct answer. There is no “in between.” This is the power of deductive reasoning – it can guarantee it’s conclusions. While inductive reasoning tells us what is most reasonable to believe, it never has that ability on its own.
