backward reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

'backward reasoning' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a logical process that begins with a conclusion and works backward to the cause. For example, "The detectives used backward reasoning to determine that the murderer had been on the scene an hour prior to the body being discovered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We believe that is backward reasoning.

The New York Times

By backward reasoning the required process conditions and processing system were found.

Journal of Food Engineering

Using a backward reasoning technique we derive the minimal context (what must have happened) that explains the observed events.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Such backward reasoning allows Q-learning to factor in future decisions when making treatment decisions at earlier stages.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

And leveraging matured algorithms and toolkit of BNs, we can not only obtain the probability of each node in each state via failure propagation, but also identify critical events given the event occurrence via backward reasoning.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

Motivated action theory solves a broad class of temporal reasoning problems, including the traditional problems of both forward and backward reasoning, and additionally provides a basis for a new theory of explanation.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A new algorithm for steady-state fault diagnosis using the SDG model for the steady-state system, that uses a combination of forward- and backward-reasoning, is proposed.

Chemical Engineering Science

This paper shows that, for a weaker notion of equilibrium, the set of all such equilibria can be computed by means of a recursive procedure which combines the logic of rationalizability and backward induction reasoning.

Journal of Economic Theory

This would result in nesting the backward chaining reasoning back to the logic block for Stage 1, followed by processing the logic blocks related to the stages down the hierarchy (Fig. 9).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

For a theory of justice that grounds our obligations in backward-looking reasoning see Nozick ((1974), 152 53).

SEP

The point of representing games using trees can best be grasped by visualizing the use of them in supporting backward-induction reasoning.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backward reasoning" when you want to emphasize the process of starting with a known outcome and then determining the preceding causes or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "backward reasoning" to describe situations where the cause and effect are simply reversed or misinterpreted. "Backward reasoning" refers to a deliberate logical process, not a factual error in causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backward reasoning" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of logical process. As highlighted by Ludwig, it denotes a method where one starts with a conclusion and works backward to identify the causes or conditions that led to that conclusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backward reasoning" is a valid and frequently used term to describe a logical process where one starts with a known outcome and works backward to determine its causes. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across different contexts. While it is most prevalent in scientific and technical domains, it also appears in news and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deliberate analytical process and is not mistaken for simple reverse causation. Alternatives like "reverse reasoning" or "deductive reasoning" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverse reasoning

Focuses on the direction of the reasoning process, similar to the original phrase.

deductive reasoning

Highlights the logical process of moving from general to specific, akin to "backward reasoning".

retrograde analysis

Emphasizes the analysis of past events to understand the present, relating to the "backward" aspect.

working backward

A more literal and action-oriented description of the reasoning process.

reasoning from effect to cause

Specifies the direction of the reasoning, clarifying the cause-and-effect relationship.

inferring causation

Concentrates on establishing the cause based on observed effects.

retrospective reasoning

Focuses on examining past events to draw conclusions.

post hoc reasoning

Highlights reasoning after an event has occurred.

reasoning in reverse

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the inverted order of reasoning.

backward induction

A specific type of reasoning commonly used in game theory, relating to "backward reasoning".

FAQs

How is "backward reasoning" used in problem-solving?

"Backward reasoning" involves starting with the desired outcome and working backward to identify the steps or conditions necessary to achieve it. This approach is useful when the initial conditions are unclear, but the end goal is well-defined.

What's the difference between "deductive reasoning" and "backward reasoning"?

"Deductive reasoning" starts with general principles to reach specific conclusions, while "backward reasoning" starts with the end result and traces back to the initial conditions or causes. Although related, they represent opposite directions of logical inquiry.

In what fields is "backward reasoning" commonly applied?

"Backward reasoning" is used in various fields, including computer science (algorithm design), engineering (failure analysis), and criminal justice (crime scene reconstruction). It is also relevant in strategic planning and policy development.

Can "backward reasoning" lead to incorrect conclusions?

Yes, like any form of reasoning, "backward reasoning" can be flawed if the initial assumptions about the outcome are incorrect or if relevant factors are overlooked during the backward analysis. Therefore, careful validation and consideration of alternative explanations are essential.