What does "deductive reasoning" entail?

Deductive reasoning involves starting with a general statement or hypothesis and logically deriving specific conclusions from that premise. This method is characterized by a top-down approach, where one begins with broad principles or theories and applies them to specific cases to see if the conclusions logically follow.

For example, if one knows that all humans are mortal (a general statement) and a specific individual is identified as a human, then it can be reasonably concluded that this individual is also mortal. This illustrates how deductive reasoning allows for conclusions to be drawn from established truths or universally accepted premises.

In contrast, other options reflect different reasoning processes: starting with specific examples to reach a general conclusion is indicative of inductive reasoning; forming opinions without supporting evidence doesn't rely on reasoned logic and is thus unfounded; and evaluating hypotheses based on personal beliefs introduces bias and lacks scientific rigor. Deductive reasoning, therefore, is essential for making well-founded conclusions in fields such as science and mathematics, where logic and coherent argumentation are paramount.