syllogism
1 of 1noun/ˈsɪlədʒɪzəm/
Forms:syllogisms
1
a form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion that logically follows from them
- The classic syllogism goes: All humans are mortal; Socrates is human; therefore, Socrates is mortal.
- Her argument was structured as a syllogism, leading to an undeniable conclusion.
- Philosophers often use syllogisms to test the validity of their reasoning.
- The debate coach taught students how to build a strong syllogism.
- That flawed syllogism assumes all birds can fly, which isn't true.