What Is Deductive Reasoning?

In logic there are two broad methods of reaching a conclusion: deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.

Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching a conclusion that is guaranteed to follow, if the evidence provided is true and the reasoning used to reach the conclusion is correct. The conclusion also must be based only on the evidence previously provided; it cannot contain new information about the subject matter.

One of the most common and useful forms of deductive reasoning is the syllogism, defined as "a form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion, for example, All humans are mortal, the major premise, I am a human, the minor premise, therefore, I am mortal, the conclusion."

The alternative to deductive reasoning is inductive reasoning.

The Compublox program contains two exercises to teach deductive reasoning. One consists of sequences of blocks that must be completed, which have been carefully graded and gradually become more and more challenging. Below is an example: Add 4 blocks to complete the sequence below: