Syllogism
noun
A kind of logical reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed statements.
In class, we learned about the basic form of syllogism which includes two premises and a conclusion.
Often appears as...
- categorical syllogism
- hypothetical syllogism
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A formal argument in logic that is formed by two statements and a conclusion which must be true if the two statements are true.
He presented a clever syllogism to prove his point in the debate.
Often appears as...
- syllogism argument
- syllogism form
noun
A kind of logical reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed statements.
In class, we learned about the basic form of syllogism which includes two premises and a conclusion.
Often appears as...
- categorical syllogism
- hypothetical syllogism
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A formal argument in logic that is formed by two statements and a conclusion which must be true if the two statements are true.
He presented a clever syllogism to prove his point in the debate.
Often appears as...
- syllogism argument
- syllogism form
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Academic Logic
Used mainly in philosophical or logical discussions, not in everyday conversation.
My philosophy professor explained a complex syllogism in today's lecture.
Pro Tip 2/3Two Premises
Remember, a syllogism always involves two initial statements leading to a conclusion.
Both premises in a syllogism must be accepted for the conclusion to hold.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Everyday Speech
Rare in casual conversations; more likely found in texts discussing logic or reasoning.
Although you might not use syllogism daily, it's crucial in logical theories.
Compare with
argumentationdeductioninferenceratiocinationrationalization
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Quote examples
Joy Reid
American Journalist
Trump's more outre economic ideas, like repealing trade bills and implementing a massive surcharge on imports, would seem like non-starters in a Republican-led House and Senate, except when you consider a second point as a kind of syllogism: Republicans fear their angry, white electorate. Their angry, white electorate chose Donald Trump.
Quote examples
Rumaan Alam
American Author
Among this country's enduring myths is that success is virtuous, while the wealth by which we measure success is incidental. We tell ourselves that money cannot buy happiness, but what is incontrovertible is that money buys stuff, and if stuff makes you happy, well, complete the syllogism.
Quote examples
Cesare Beccaria
Italian Judge
For every criminal case, the judge must construct a perfect syllogism: the major premise must be the general law; the minor premise, whether or not the action in question is in compliance with the law; and the conclusion, acquittal or punishment.
Quote examples
Joy Reid
American Journalist
Trump's more outre economic ideas, like repealing trade bills and implementing a massive surcharge on imports, would seem like non-starters in a Republican-led House and Senate, except when you consider a second point as a kind of syllogism: Republicans fear their angry, white electorate. Their angry, white electorate chose Donald Trump.
Quote examples
Rumaan Alam
American Author
Among this country's enduring myths is that success is virtuous, while the wealth by which we measure success is incidental. We tell ourselves that money cannot buy happiness, but what is incontrovertible is that money buys stuff, and if stuff makes you happy, well, complete the syllogism.
Quote examples
Cesare Beccaria
Italian Judge
For every criminal case, the judge must construct a perfect syllogism: the major premise must be the general law; the minor premise, whether or not the action in question is in compliance with the law; and the conclusion, acquittal or punishment.
Example 1 of 3
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