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What is Deductive Reasoning?

 , October 23, 2015
Deductive reasoning works from the general to the specific. In other words, it begins with a theory and works to find confirming observations. This process is often referred to as top-down logic.
It conforms to methods of logic and guarantees logically certain conclusions. Deductive reasoning is often contrasted with inductive reasoning which follows a bottom-up approach that starts with specific observations and moves towards general theories. Another difference between the two is that inductive reasoning allows for uncertain conclusions. In other words, deductive reasoning is only interested in certainty but inductive reasoning deals with likelihoods.
Overview: Deductive Reasoning
FunctionLogic
Problem Solving
DefinitionUsing a set of observations to confirm a theory with logically certainty.
ValueProving a theory.
DirectionTop-down logic
UncertaintyConcerned with logically certain conclusions, i.e. not concerned with likelihoods.
Related TechniquesInductive Reasoning
Backward Induction
Abductive Reasoning

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