Definition
Deductive reasoning is a type of logical thinking where you start with general principles and apply them to specific cases. It's about drawing conclusions that *must* be true if the premises are true. Think of it like solving a puzzle using established rules. For example, if all squares have four sides, and this shape is a square, then this shape *must* have four sides. It moves from general to specific. It contrasts with inductive reasoning, which moves from specific observations to general conclusions.