Argumentation and Persuasion -- Forms of Logic

Question 1

Syllogism

Answer 1

A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major presmise (M) – general statement, a minor premise (m) a particular instance of the major premise, and a conclusion (C)

Question 2

Example of a syllogism

Answer 2

Major: All humans are mortal
Minor: I am a human.
Conclusion: Therefore I am mortal

Question 3

What is an exthymene

Answer 3

a syllogism with one premise left unstated usually its the major premise missing but not always.

Question 4

Example of enthymeme

Answer 4

Ms Haxton didn’t eat her hash browns (m), she must hate potatoes (C).
Major: People who don’t eat hash browns must hate potatoes

Question 5

Strategy for Enthymemes

Answer 5

Change the noun to an indefinite pronoun. Anyone who doesn’t eat hash browns must not like potatoes.