We’re witnessing an AI revolution where models don’t just predict but actually reason which includes understanding complex concepts, solving multi-step problems, and making informed decisions. But what exactly is AI reasoning, and why is it crucial in 2025? Let’s break it down.
AI has traditionally relied on inferencing—a process of recognizing patterns and making predictions based on past data. However, as AI advances toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), it must go beyond inferencing and develop reasoning capabilities. Until recently, most AI models functioned through pattern recognition and inferencing—detecting trends in data and using them to make predictions. While powerful, these AI models don’t truly understand cause and effect. They operate on statistical correlations rather than logical reasoning.
With the emergence of DeepSeek R1 and OpenAI O1, (and I personally expect Llama 4 soon in Q1 of 2025 to provide the same); we’re now witnessing AI models that reason rather than just infer. These models can: Understand causality, rather than just recognizing statistical patterns. Adapt to new situations without requiring retraining. Explain decisions, improving AI transparency and trust. Solve multi-step problems autonomously, such as writing complex code or conducting scientific research.
