Question

Identifying Reasoning
Which statement correctly identifies and explains the reasoning used in the sample argument?

Socrates is a man. All men are mortal. Socrates is mortal.

It uses inductive reasoning, because it begins with a general conclusion and is followed by evidence.
It uses inductive reasoning, because it begins with evidence and then forms a general conclusion.
It uses deductive reasoning, because it starts with a general conclusion to prove something true.
It uses deductive reasoning, because it starts with evidence and is followed by a general conclusion.

Answer 1

Correct choice: "It uses deductive reasoning, because it starts with a general conclusion to prove something true."

Explanation: This is a classic deductive syllogism — from the general premise "All men are mortal" and the specific premise "Socrates is a man" the conclusion "Socrates is mortal" necessarily follows. Inductive reasoning would infer a general rule from specific examples, which is not what's happening here.