reasoning

Use of reason, especially to form conclusions, inferences, or judgments.

Evidence or arguments used in thinking or argumentation.

The use of the faculty of reason; discriminative thought or discussion in regard to a subject; rational consideration.

A presentation of reasons or arguments; an argumentative statement or expression; a formal discussion.

Discussion; conversation; discourse.

Synonyms Reasoning, Argumentation. Reasoning is much broader than argumentation. The latter is confined to one side of the question, or, in another sense, supposes a proposition, supported by arguments on the affirmative side and attacked by arguments on the negative. Reasoning may be upon one side of a proposition, and is then the same as argumentation; but it may also be the method by which one reaches a belief, and thus a way of putting together the results of investigation: as, the reasoning in Euclid, or in Butler’s Analogy; the reasoning by which a thief justifies himself in stealing.

The act or process of adducing a reason or reasons; manner of presenting one’s reasons.

That which is offered in argument; proofs or reasons when arranged and developed; course of argument.

Action of the verb to reason.

The deduction of inferences or interpretations from premises; abstract thought; ratiocination.