What uses deductive logic to reason from a generalization to a particular instance?

The correct answer involves a priori reasoning, which is characterized by its reliance on logical deduction to derive specific conclusions from general principles. In a priori reasoning, conclusions are reached based on existing knowledge or universally accepted truths, not through observation or experience. This method enables a thinker to use established theories or premises to predict outcomes in specific cases, effectively demonstrating the process of moving from a generalization to a particular instance.

For example, if it is known that all humans are mortal (a generalization), one can deduce that a specific individual, like Socrates, is also mortal. This type of reasoning is foundational in disciplines such as philosophy and mathematics, where general axioms are applied to arrive at specific conclusions.

Other types of reasoning, such as inductive reasoning, operate by generalizing from specific observations to create broader conclusions, while empiricism emphasizes knowledge derived from sensory experience. Postulation, on the other hand, involves putting forward a hypothesis without definitive proof, meaning it does not inherently follow the structured deductive approach that a priori reasoning does.