Terms as Verbal Concepts in

Philosophy
In philosophy, terms are the building blocks
of language that convey meaning and help us
express complex ideas. They are the
fundamental units of language that we use to
construct our thoughts, arguments, and
theories. Terms can be simple or complex,
concrete or abstract, and they can be
combined in various ways to form more
complex expressions.
Definition of Terms in Philosophy
In philosophy, terms can be defined as linguistic
expressions that have a specific meaning or refer to
a particular concept or object. These terms are used
to convey ideas, express thoughts, and engage in
philosophical discussions. Philosophical terms can
range from simple everyday words to more complex
and specialized vocabulary that is unique to the
field.
Uses of Terms in Philosophy
1. Conceptual Clarity: Terms are used in philosophy to provide conceptual clarity by defining and
distinguishing different ideas or concepts. By assigning specific terms to different philosophical
concepts, philosophers can clearly articulate their thoughts and ensure that their arguments are
precise and well-defined.

2. Analysis and Argumentation: Terms are crucial for analyzing philosophical problems and
formulating arguments. Philosophers often employ logical reasoning and argumentation
techniques to explore complex issues, and terms play a central role in this process. By using well-
defined terms, philosophers can construct logical arguments that are coherent and valid.

3. Communication and Discourse: Terms facilitate effective communication within the field of
philosophy. They provide a shared vocabulary that allows philosophers to engage in meaningful
discussions and debates. By using common terms, philosophers can convey their ideas accurately
and understand each other's perspectives more easily.
Verbal concepts
Verbal concepts refer to ideas or
notions that are expressed through
spoken language. These concepts are
formed by assigning meaning to words
and using them to convey thoughts,
emotions, or information.
Understanding the definitions and uses
of terms as verbal concepts is crucial
for effective communication and
knowledge acquisition.
Definitions of terms as verbal concepts
It involve providing clear and concise explanations
of the meaning of specific words or phrases. These
definitions can be found in various sources such as
dictionaries, encyclopedias, glossaries, and
specialized domain-specific references. The purpose
of defining terms is to establish a common
understanding among individuals involved in a
conversation or discourse.
Definitions of terms as verbal concepts
It involve providing clear and concise explanations
of the meaning of specific words or phrases. These
definitions can be found in various sources such as
dictionaries, encyclopedias, glossaries, and
specialized domain-specific references. The purpose
of defining terms is to establish a common
understanding among individuals involved in a
conversation or discourse.
Uses of terms as verbal concepts
The uses of terms as verbal concepts extend beyond
mere definitions. They serve as building blocks for
constructing sentences, expressing ideas, and conveying
information. By using specific terms, individuals can
communicate their thoughts more precisely and
accurately. Terms also help in categorizing and
organizing knowledge, allowing for efficient retrieval
and comprehension.

In addition to their basic uses, terms as verbal concepts

play a vital role in various fields and disciplines.
Here are few examples:
1. Science: In scientific research, terms are used to describe phenomena, theories, and
experimental procedures. Precise definitions of scientific terms ensure that researchers
across different domains can understand each other's work and build upon existing
knowledge. For instance, the term "photosynthesis" refers to the process by which
plants convert sunlight into energy.

2. Law: Legal terminology is essential for the interpretation and application of laws.
Lawyers and judges rely on precise definitions of legal terms to argue cases and make
informed decisions. Terms like "reasonable doubt" or "burden of proof" have specific
meanings within the legal system that guide the administration of justice.

3. Medicine: Medical professionals use specialized terminology to describe diseases,

symptoms, treatments, and anatomical structures. Accurate understanding and usage
of medical terms are crucial for effective communication between healthcare providers
and patients. For example, the term "hypertension" refers to high blood pressure, and its
proper use ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The Nature of a Term
(CHRISTOPHER RYAN B. MABOLOC AND ATTY. EDGAR B. PASCUA II, REVIED
EDITION ELEMENTS OF LOGIC, AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH PUBLISHED BY
REX BOOKSSTORE MANILA PHILIPPINES,2012)
 • Andrew BachHuber defines a term as "a sign of a concept". "From the point of view of
the structure of the language, he states further that a term is the most basic part of
proposition". As a sign of concept, a terms represents an idea or an object. A term is a
word that denotes a particular object. By denoting, a term brings us an object or idea.

For example, the term mortal denotes such entities as man, flowers, animals, and others.
On the other hand, as the basic part of proposition, the term acts as the subject or
predicate of a proposition. It is the ground upon which a proposition is resolved. In the
proposition, "Mt. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines", the term "Mt.
Mayon" is the subject and the term "the most active volcano in the Philippines" is the
predicate.

It must be noted that the terms of representation, the term "Mt. Mayon", which is of
course represented by a clear symbol, refers to a volcano. The term in this sense signifies
the existence of something actual. A term, therefore, is a representative of an object.
Use of a Term
• In the proposition, "Jesus is the greatest person to have walked the planet", there exists several words, i.e.,
Jesus, person, walk, and planet. When the term used consists of a word, for instance, Jesus, such is called a
simple term, while when multiple words are used, like the greatest person to have walked in the planet,
such is called a complex term.

• Terms and words are not equivalent concepts. When a term is composed of more than one word, we call
that term a complex term. Think of terms like black hole, biggest object in the solar system, most hawkish
political figure, and the best Beatles album. If one examines it carefully, each term above through
consisting of many words, signifies one reality.

• On the other hand, a simple term is a one-word term. Consider terms like space, sun, Martian, and lunar.

• Moreover, terms can be used either as a significant or non-significant term. When a term is used to
directly express a concept, it is called a significant term. A significant term shows the nature of a thing
and explains what kind of thing a thing is

• Other instances of significant terms are leader, government, peace, territory, etc. We can see that these
terms directly point out that reality or entity which they represent. The term directly expresses the nature
of the entity. On the other hand, there are terms that simply point out the thing without signifying what
that thing is. This includes demonstrative pronouns such as this, that, those, etc.
• For example, in the statement "That is valid", the "that" does not express directly what is actually means but merely
points out something. We call these terms nonsignificant.

•Furthermore, terms can also be distributive and collective.

1. A term is distributive when it shows the essence of entity singularity.

Examples of which are robot, manifesto, democrat, spelunker, centrist, etc.

2. A term is collective when it shows the essence of entities as a group, for instance, company, cluster, union, etc.
Collective terms signify the essence of entities as a unit, individuals taken as a unit have something in common. A
company, cluster, and union express a group of individuals unified by a common vision or interest.

In logic, a term is a word or group of words that refers to a concept or object. A term can be either distributive or non-
distributive.

When a term is distributive, it expresses the essence of entity singularity, which means it refers to each individual
instance of the concept or object being discussed. For example, in the proposition "All nurses are caring," the term
"nurses" is distributive because it refers to each individual nurse and their caring nature.

On the other hand, a non-distributive term refers to the concept or object as a whole, rather than to individual
instances. For example, in the proposition "Nursing is a caring profession," the term "nursing" is non-distributive because
it refers to the entire profession of nursing as a whole, rather than to each individual nurse.

Understanding the difference between distributive and non-distributive terms is important in logic because it affects
the interpretation and validity of propositions and arguments.
TERMS ARE UNIVOCAL, EQUIVOCAL, AND
ANALOGICAL.
1. First, a term is said to be univocal when it has the same meaning
when applied in different instances.

For example, the term oval is used in the same sense when applied to
"an oval office", "an oval table", and 'an oval field", suggesting the
meaning of such figure. Other examples include the term pentagon,
hydrogen, ion, heredity, and others.

2.Secondly, a term is said to be equivocal when it is used in an entirely

different sense. The term graft can mean "surgically attaching a
healthy tissue to replace a damage one in a person's body" and
"obtaining money dishonesty by misusing a position of authority".

3. A term is said to analogical when it is used in distinct but related

senses. When applied to something, the meaning is neither totally the
same or totally different. Poetry, for instance, is a good source of
analogical terms. This is because poetic lines use metaphors,
For example, in Shakespeare's Soliloquy from Hamlet, "The slings and arrows of outrageous

fortune", "Or take to arms against a sea of troubles", and "The pangs of despised love". The real lexical meaning of the term
is beautifully used to express some overflowing emotion. In logic, a term is a word or phrase that refers to a specific
concept or object. Terms can be

classified based on their meaning, which can be either univocal, equivocal, or analogical.

A term is univocal when it has only one meaning that applies to all instances of its use. For example, the term "triangle"
always refers to a three-sided polygon with three angles, regardless of its size or orientation. Univocal terms are precise and
consistent, making them ideal for use in logical arguments.

On the other hand, a term is equivocal when it has multiple meanings that are not related to one another. For example, the
term "bank" can refer to a financial institution, the edge of a river, or a maneuver in a plane. When a term is equivocal, it
can create confusion and ambiguity in logical arguments.

Lastly, a term is analogical when it is used to refer to multiple related but distinct concepts. For example, the term "health"
can be used to describe physical health, mental health, and social health. Analogical terms are useful for expressing
complex or nuanced ideas, but they can also be difficult to use in logical arguments because their meanings can be
subjective and dependent on context.

some examples of univocal terms used in nursing propositions:

Proposition: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.

Univocal term: Hand hygiene (refers specifically to the process of cleaning one's hands with soap and water or hand
sanitizer)
 01.
First intention and
Second intention
concept;

TYPES 02. Concrete concept and

Abstract concept;

OF
CONCEPTS 03. Absolute and
Connotative concept; and

04. Positive and Negative

concept.
Term is the verbal expression of an idea.
It is an articulate sound which serves as a conventional sign
of an idea. It may also be understood as an idea or group of
ideas expressed in words.

We form ideas from the things we perceive, and then we

express or manifest our ideas to others by means of terms or
words.

Not all words, however, are terms; some words have no

referents, such as if, from, by, and in. But all terms are words,
for all terms are articulate sounds signifying things.
Kinds of Terms:
Terms may be classified according to quantity, incompatibility,
definiteness of meaning, and the nature of referents.

1. As regards quantity:

a. Singular Term - stands for a single individual or object.

b. Particular Term - stands for an indefinite

number of individuals of a class.

c. Universal Term - stands not only for a class

as a whole but also for each member of that class.

d. Collective Term - refers to a group or collection of objects or

individuals regarded as a unit.

✔A collective term, however, may be universal (e.g., family),

particular (e.g., some family), or singular (e.g., this family).
2. As regards incompatibility:

a. Contradictory Terms - those wherein one affirms what the

other denies.

b. Contrary Terms - represent the two extremes among

objects of a series belonging to the same class.

c. Private Terms - those wherein one signifies perfection and

the other denies a perfection in a subject which naturally
ought to posses it.

d. Relative Terms - those wherein one cannot beunderstood

without the other.
3. As regards definiteness of meaning:

a. Univocal Term - predicated of two or more individuals or

things in exactly the same sense;
admits of only one meaning.

b. Equivocal Term - predicated of many in an entirely different

sense;
admits of two or more meanings.

c. Analogous Term - predicated of two or more things that is

partly the same and partly different sense.
4. As regards the nature of referents:

a. Concrete Term - can be perceived by the

senses; referent is tangible.

b. Abstract Term - can be understood only by mind; referent is

intangible.
It may denote the property of a thing, which is considered an
entity by itself. It denotes being, quality, quantity, or relationship.

c. Null or Empty Term - nothing actually existing to which it can

be applied; no actual referents but only imaginary ones.
Certainly, here are some important verbal concepts in logic:

1. Statement: A statement is a declarative sentence that can be

true or false, but not both simultaneously. It is the basic unit of
logical analysis.
2. Proposition: A proposition is a statement that is typically used
in logic to discuss its truth value (true or false) in a specific
context.
3. Predicate: A predicate is a statement with one or more
variables that can be replaced by specific values to create a
proposition. For example, "x is greater than 5" is a predicate.
4. Quantifier: A quantifier is a word or symbol that specifies the
quantity of elements in a set. Common quantifiers include "for all"
∀ ∃
( ) and "there exists" ( ).
5. Negation: Negation is the process of forming the opposite of a
statement. In symbolic logic, it is often denoted by "~" or "¬."
6. Conjunction: Conjunction is the act of combining two or more
∧
statements using "and." In symbolic logic, it is represented by " ."
7. Disjunction: Disjunction is the act of combining two or more
∨
statements using "or." In symbolic logic, it is represented by " ."
8. Implication: Implication is a relationship between two
statements where the truth of one statement (the antecedent)
logically leads to the truth of another statement (the
→
consequent). It is often denoted by " " (implies).
9. Biconditional: A biconditional statement is a logical
relationship between two statements where each statement
↔
implies the other. It is often denoted by " " (if and only if).
10. Inference: Inference is the process of drawing conclusions
from premises. It's a fundamental concept in logic.
11. Valid Inference: An inference is valid if the conclusion logically
follows from the premises. In other words, if the premises are true, the
conclusion must be true.
12. Fallacy: A fallacy is an error in reasoning or argumentation that
leads to invalid conclusions. Common fallacies include ad hominem,
straw man, and circular reasoning.
13. Deduction: Deduction is a form of reasoning that involves
deriving specific conclusions from general principles. It is often
associated with formal logic and syllogisms.
14. Induction: Induction is a form of reasoning that involves making
generalizations based on specific observations or evidence. It is often
used to make predictions or draw probable conclusions.
15. Abduction: Abduction is a form of reasoning that involves
making the best possible explanation for a set of observations or
evidence. It is commonly used in problem-solving.
16. Premise: A premise is a statement or proposition that serves as a
starting point for an argument.
17. Conclusion: The conclusion is the statement or proposition that
follows from the premises in an argument.
18. Sound Argument: An argument is sound if it is both valid (the
conclusion logically follows from the premises) and all of its premises
are true.
19. Valid Argument: An argument is valid if the conclusion logically
follows from the premises, regardless of the truth value of the
premises.
20. Contradiction: A contradiction occurs when two statements or
propositions cannot both be true at the same time.
These verbal concepts are fundamental to understanding and
working with logical statements and arguments, whether in natural
language or symbolic logic.
 Thank
you very
much!