What type of reasoning is described as 'bottom up'?

Inductive reasoning is defined as 'bottom up' reasoning because it involves starting with specific observations or examples and then developing a general conclusion or theory based on those observations. This type of reasoning gathers evidence and looks for patterns that lead to broader generalizations. For instance, if you notice that the sun rises in the east every morning, you might conclude that the sun always rises in the east based on those repeated observations.

In contrast, deductive reasoning is 'top down', beginning with a general statement or hypothesis and testing it with specific cases. Hypothetical reasoning often involves scenarios or possibilities that may not be directly observed, and abstract reasoning deals with conceptual thinking, which isn't tied to specific instances. Thus, the nature of inductive reasoning as a process of deriving general principles from specific instances distinguishes it as 'bottom up'.