syllogism Definition
an instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises); a common or middle term is present in the two premises but not in the conclusion, which may be invalid (e.g. all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs).
Using syllogism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "syllogism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore Socrates is mortal.
Example
All birds have wings; penguins are birds; therefore penguins have wings.
Example
All cats are animals; all animals have hearts; therefore all cats have hearts.
syllogism Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with syllogism
a syllogism in which both premises and the conclusion are simple categorial statements that begin with one of the words 'all', 'no', or 'some'
Example
All dogs are mammals; all mammals have lungs; therefore all dogs have lungs.
a syllogism in which one of the premises is a hypothetical proposition
Example
If it rains, the ground will get wet; it is raining; therefore the ground is getting wet.
a syllogism in which one premise is a disjunction ('either A or B') and the other premise denies one of the disjuncts
Example
Either John is at home or he is at work; John is not at home; therefore John is at work.
Origins of syllogism
from Greek 'syllogismos', meaning 'conclusion, inference'
Summary: syllogism in Brief
A 'syllogism' [ˈsɪlədʒɪzəm] is a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed premises. The conclusion is based on a common or middle term present in the two premises but not in the conclusion, which may be invalid. Examples include 'All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore Socrates is mortal.' and 'All birds have wings; penguins are birds; therefore penguins have wings.'
