What type of reasoning typically involves making predictions based on known facts?

Deductive reasoning involves making predictions or conclusions that are logically derived from established premises or known facts. In this type of reasoning, if the premises are true, the conclusion necessarily follows. For example, in a strict syllogism, if it is true that all humans are mortal (premise) and Socrates is a human (premise), then it logically follows that Socrates is mortal (conclusion). This method allows one to use known general principles to predict specific outcomes.

Conversely, other reasoning types operate differently. For instance, analogical reasoning draws conclusions based on the similarities between two situations, rather than strictly derived from known facts. Hypothetical reasoning involves constructing scenarios based on assumptions and exploring their consequences rather than deriving conclusions from established facts. Inductive reasoning, while it may lead to predictions, works by generalizing from specific observations rather than explicitly deriving conclusions from established premises. Thus, deductive reasoning stands out as the method that directly involves making predictions based on known facts.