What is the process of moving from the general to the specific called?

The process of moving from the general to the specific is called deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning begins with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. This process typically follows a structure where you start with a broad theory or principle and apply it to a specific case, allowing for conclusions that are logically derived from the initial premise.

For example, if a general rule states that all humans are mortal, and an individual (like Socrates) is identified as a human, deductive reasoning enables us to conclude that Socrates is mortal. This illustrates how deductive reasoning provides a clear pathway from a general idea to a specific instance, making it a foundational component in logical reasoning and critical analysis.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned involve different processes: inductive reasoning focuses on forming generalizations from specific observations, analytical reasoning involves breaking down information into parts to understand it better, and critical thinking encompasses a broader set of skills used to evaluate and analyze arguments or problems rather than strictly moving from general to specific. Each of these approaches serves its own purpose, but the hallmark of deductive reasoning is its clarity in deriving specific conclusions from overarching principles.