deductive

This term describes a top-down approach to logic. It starts with a broad, established rule or universal truth and narrows it down to a specific, certain conclusion. If the initial premises are true, the result must be true, leaving no room for probability or guesswork. It stands in direct opposition to inductive logic, which builds a general theory from a collection of specific observations. While inductive logic suggests what is likely, deductive logic proves what is necessary, making it the gold standard for mathematics, formal logic, and legal statutes.