Here's a breakdown:
* Logic: The system of rules and principles used to reason and draw inferences.
* Known facts, definitions, and properties: These are the pieces of information we use as a starting point.
* Conclusion: The new statement we reach by applying logic to the known facts.
Key characteristics of deductive reasoning:
* Starts with general truths: We begin with established facts, principles, or definitions that are generally accepted as true.
* Moves to specific conclusions: The conclusion reached must logically follow from the premises (initial statements).
* Guaranteed conclusion: If the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
Example:
* Premise 1: All dogs are mammals.
* Premise 2: My pet is a dog.
* Conclusion: Therefore, my pet is a mammal.
In this case, we use the general truth that all dogs are mammals and the specific fact that our pet is a dog to deduce that our pet is also a mammal.
Other terms related to reasoning:
* Inductive reasoning: Starts with specific observations and moves to a general conclusion. The conclusion is probable but not guaranteed.
* Abductive reasoning: Starts with an observation and then seeks the most likely explanation.
Let me know if you'd like to explore these concepts in more detail!