What is the term for the reasoning process where a conclusion is drawn from general principles?

The term for the reasoning process where a conclusion is drawn from general principles is deductive reasoning. This type of reasoning begins with general statements or hypotheses and applies them to specific cases to derive logically certain conclusions. For example, if we start with a general premise such as "All humans are mortal" and then consider a specific case, "Socrates is a human," we can deduce that "Socrates is mortal."

Deductive reasoning is characterized by its structure, where the truth of the premises ensures the truth of the conclusion, reflecting a logical certainty. This distinguishes it from other forms of reasoning. Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, involves drawing generalized conclusions from specific observations and does not guarantee the truth of the conclusions. Analogical reasoning relies on drawing comparisons between similar situations, and causal reasoning focuses on establishing cause-and-effect relationships. Each of these reasoning types serves different functions in logical arguments, but for drawing conclusions from general principles, deductive reasoning is the correct term.