Which type of reasoning uses a top-down approach?

Deductive reasoning employs a top-down approach, where general principles or theories are applied to specific cases to draw conclusions. In this process, a general statement or hypothesis is tested against specific examples. For instance, if it's established that all humans are mortal (a general principle), and a specific individual is identified as a human, one can deduce that this individual is mortal. This method is systematic and relies on the logical progression from the general to the specific, making it powerful for establishing certain conclusions based on overarching truths. The application of this reasoning is foundational in various fields, including mathematics, logic, and science, where proving theories through specific instances is often required.