We may represent the whole syllogism in the following manner:
The student should be sure that he has mastered each step in the construction of a valid syllogism of the typical form before he passes on to the following section of this chapter.
II. The application of deductive reasoning to deductive argument.
From our examination of the deductive process of reasoning we cannot but realize its importance when applied to the construction of an argument. One cannot advance far into any argumentative discourse without encountering deduction in some form. A student in a class debate defended the following proposition with the inductive arguments given below: “Resolved that tariff should be imposed for revenue only.” In his introduction the student declared that the protective tariff should be removed. In support of his contention he offered five substantial reasons which he claimed included the vital points at issue. These reasons were as follows:
A. High duties encourage the formation of trusts.
B. The high cost of living results from protection.
C. Protection is unjust to the American people.
D. Protection breeds corruption.
E. The usefulness of the protective tariff has long ceased.