Definition of "deductive inference" []

• Inference in which the conclusion is of no greater generality than the premises (noun)
• Inference in which the conclusion is just as certain as the premises (noun)

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• "This difference, it should be observed, applies only to the question of proving God's actual existence; for, His self-existence being admitted, it is necessary to employ a priori or deductive inference in order to arrive at a knowledge of His nature and attributes, and as it is impossible to develop the arguments for"