What is deduced when employing logical reasoning?

Deductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion is reached by applying general principles or premises to specific instances. It follows a top-down approach, where a broad theory or general rule is used to make specific predictions or conclusions. This method is characterized by the certainty of its conclusions, provided the premises are true.

For example, if it is established that all humans are mortal (general principle), and Socrates is a human (specific instance), one can conclude that Socrates is mortal. This highlights how deductive reasoning relies on established knowledge to arrive at a definitive conclusion.

Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, works in the opposite direction by moving from specific observations to broader generalizations, which may not always lead to a certain conclusion. Creative thinking involves generating new ideas and solutions, while critical assessment entails evaluating and analyzing information. While all are valuable cognitive approaches, they do not encapsulate the logical deduction seen in deductive reasoning.