What type of reasoning begins with general statements and moves toward specific conclusions?

Deductive reasoning is a process that starts with general statements or premises and leads to specific conclusions. This approach is grounded in logic, where a general statement (or premise) is applied to a specific situation to derive a conclusion. For example, if we start with a general principle such as "All humans are mortal" and have a specific case like "Socrates is a human," we can deduce that "Socrates is mortal."

This type of reasoning is characterized by its structure, where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true, demonstrating a clear and logical path from the general to the specific. It contrasts with inductive reasoning, which goes from specific observations to broader generalizations, but does not guarantee the truth of the conclusions derived from it. Quantitative reasoning focuses more on numerical data and relationships rather than logical structures, while logical reasoning encompasses various forms of reasoning, including deductive and inductive processes. Thus, the clarity and logical consistency inherent in deductive reasoning are what make it the correct choice in this context.