Which term is the verbal expression of deductive inference?

• A. Proposition
• B. Syllogism
• C. Term
• D. Judgement

Answer: (B)

The verbal expression of a deductive inference is a syllogism. In traditional logic, a syllogism puts two premises together with a conclusion in a standard form, showing how the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises. A syllogism is specifically the way to articulate this chain of reasoning in words.

A proposition is simply a declarative statement being asserted, not the whole line of reasoning. A judgement is the act of affirming or denying something. A term is a concept name used within the statements of the argument. The syllogism brings premises and conclusion into one verbal sequence, making it the vehicle for expressing deductive inference. For example: All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal.