Deductive reasoning is a “top-down” logical process that starts with a general rule or known truth to reach a specific, certain conclusion. It relies on the idea that if the initial premises are true and the logic is valid, the final result must also be true. For example, if the rule is “all humans are mortal” and the specific case is “Socrates is a human,” then the inescapable conclusion is that “Socrates is mortal.” Unlike inductive reasoning, which only suggests what is likely, this method provides absolute proof, leaving no room for alternative outcomes as long as the starting facts are solid.