What is deductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning is a logical process where conclusions are drawn from a set of premises or statements that are generally accepted as true. This reasoning works by applying general principles to deduce specific outcomes or facts. If the initial premises are accurate and relevant, the conclusion reached through deductive reasoning must also be true, demonstrating a clear and structured approach to logical thinking.

In the context of fire investigation, deductive reasoning can help in identifying causes of a fire by starting with known facts about fire science or established patterns, and then applying these principles to specific incidents. This method is often used to systematically narrow down possibilities and arrive at a conclusion about how and why an event occurred.

Other methods mentioned in the choices, such as collecting empirical evidence or establishing observational data, do not specifically involve the logical progression from general statements to specific conclusions as deductive reasoning does. A strategy for trial and error, while useful in various contexts, focuses on experimentation rather than structured logical deduction. Thus, the essence of deductive reasoning lies in forming conclusions based on a logical framework of established premises.