Just as ethos, pathos, and logos all have their parts to play in persuasive and argumentative writing, so, too, does syllogism. A syllogism is a particular style of logical argument wholly reliant on deductive reasoning. Not quite sure what that means? Just think of Sherlock Holmes. IF you’re still not sure what that means, follow read along below. But be warned, it can get a little confusing.
What is Syllogism?
Devised by Aristotle, syllogism is defined as the simplest sequence of logical conclusions. A Syllogism is a specific type of formal, logical argument that follows the path of deductive reasoning (think Sherlock Holmes). Syllogisms follow a very specific pattern of reasoning in order to reach a conclusion.
They are commonly found in moral and ethical arguments such as those made by Aristotle, Ptolemy, and other great philosophers of old. literary device that uses deductive reasoning to draw a conclusion from two given premises. Syllogism is a form of logical argument consisting of three parts: the major premise, the minor premise, and the conclusion. The major premise is a general statement, the minor premise a specific statement, and the conclusion is a logical consequence of both premises.
How to pronounce Syllogism?
How to use Syllogism?
To argue a syllogism properly, there is a very specific set of rules a writer or speaker must follow. They are:
- Include only three terms, or parts: The major and premise (arguments) and the conclusion.
- The minor premise must include at least one other premise category.
- Terms distributed to the premise must be a part of the relative premise.
- If one of the premises is negative, the conclusion will also be negative.
- Two universal premises cannot create a conclusion.
Even for the most experienced, a syllogistic argument can be confusing and difficult to master. As a way to simplify the understanding of how to develop your argument, make an outline.
Remember: t is a form of deductive reasoning that uses two statements to arrive at a conclusion. The two statements are referred to as the major premise and the minor premise. The major premise is a general statement, while the minor premise is a specific statement. The conclusion is then drawn from the two premises.
Explain the types of Syllogism
There exists some contention regarding how many types of syllogism exist, some argue four while others say there are five or more. To make sure all bases have been covered, more or less, seven of the proposed types have been dissected below.
- Categorical is a type of syllogism that uses two categorical propositions to arrive at a conclusion. This type was made first developed by Socrates and consists of:
- Hypothetical is a type of syllogism that uses “if” and “then” to rationalize the argument and reach a conclusion.
- Disjunctive is a type of syllogism that uses two disjunctive propositions to arrive at a conclusion.
- Inductive that uses two general propositions to arrive at a conclusion.
- Enthymemes is a type of rhetorical persuasive argument most commonly used in speeches and syllogistic arguments. This type of syllogism represses the minor premise.
- Universal is a type of syllogism that uses complete and total words, “all” and “no.” This type follows one or two patterns. Examine the examples below. Please note the use of “all” and “no.”
- Particular syllogisms use words like “some” or “most” to draw logical conclusions as well as “all” and “no” to make statements. This type also follows the same two patterns as universal syllogisms.
- Major premise: If I do not wake up, then I cannot go to work..
- Minor premise: If I cannot go to work, then I cannot get paid.
- Major premise: All zebras have striped coats.
- Minor premise: Some animals are zebras.
- Conclusion: Some animals have striped coats.
OR
- Major premise: All zebras have striped coats.
- Minor premise: Some immature people are teachers.
- Conclusion: Therefore, some immature people are not babies.
Note: Syllogistic fallacies occur when a writer makes two general statements to validate a conclusion. Example: All snakes are reptiles. My pet is a reptile. Therefore, my pet is a snake.
Syllogism in Literature 📚
Are you confused yet? If not, and you’ve managed to make it this far, pat yourself on the back. Good job!
Just because syllogisms are most commonly found in persuasive and rhetorical arguments, does not mean they cannot be found in literature. And yes, Shakespeare has even made it into this list of examples.
In Timon of Athens, Shakespeare writes:
Flavius: Have you forgot me, sir?
Timon: Why dost ask that? I have forgot all meant; Then, if thou grant’st thou’rt a man,
I have forgotten thee.
Broken down, Timon responds to Flavius’ question with a syllogistic argument.
And in John Donne’s poem, “Elegy II,” he writes:
“All love is wonder; if we justly do / Account her wonderful, why not lovely too?”
But when broken down, equates to:
Other Related Terms . . . 👥
While a very particular type of logical argument, it must be noted that syllogism is directly aligned with the logic trio ethos, pathos, and logos as described here. All four logic-related terms have origins in the same distant past.
- Ethos – From the ancient Greek, ethos is the part of a logical argument that appeals to a reader or audience’s sense of ethics. It establishes credibility and trustworthiness.
- Pathos – Also from the ancient Greek, this is the part of a logical argument that appeals to a reader or audience’s emotions. It is an emotional appeal to win them over to your side through emotional connection. Unlike ethos or logos, pathos can be used alone to make an emotional appeal.
- Logos – Just as ethos and pathos. Logos comes from the ancient Greek word for logic. Logos appeals to a reader or audience’s sense of logic. If you have carefully structured your argument, are an expert on your topic, have properly cited your sources, and can authoritatively deliver your argument, you will firmly establish your authority, credibility, and trustworthiness.