Which type of reasoning starts with general statements and leads to specific conclusions?

The type of reasoning that begins with general statements and draws specific conclusions is known as deductive reasoning. This logical process involves starting with a broad, general principle or established fact and applying it to a particular case or situation to arrive at a specific conclusion.

For example, if one begins with the premise "All humans are mortal" and then states "Socrates is a human," it naturally follows that "Socrates is mortal." This illustrates how deductive reasoning moves from a general assertion to a specific instance based on that generality, ensuring that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.

In contrast, other reasoning types such as inductive reasoning operate in the opposite direction, where specific observations lead to broader generalizations, while observational reasoning focuses on information gathered through direct observation rather than deriving conclusions from established principles. Scientific reasoning, while it may involve both inductive and deductive methods, does not strictly refer to the process of moving from general principles to specific conclusions. Thus, the defining characteristic of deductive reasoning is its structured approach from general to specific, confirming that it is indeed the correct answer.