Lesson 20: Syllogism

Question 1

Syllogism

Answer 1

A deductive argument with two premises and three terms.

Question 2

Categorial Syllogism

Answer 2

Made up of three categorical statements.

Question 3

What are the three categorical statements used for a categorical syllogism?

Answer 3

The first two statements are premises, and the last is the conclusion:
All M are P
All S are M
Therefore, All S are P

Question 4

What are the three terms used for a categorical syllogism called?

Answer 4

The minor term (S)
The major term (P)
The middle term (M)

Question 5

Minor Term

Answer 5

The subject term of the conclusion.

Question 6

Major Term

Answer 6

The predicate term of the conclusion.

Question 7

Middle Term

Answer 7

The term that is in both premises but not in the conclusion at all.

Question 8

Major Premise

Answer 8

The premise that includes the major term. Also traditionally the first premise in the argument.

Question 9

Minor Premise

Answer 9

The premise that contains the minor term. Also traditionally the second premise in the argument.

Question 10

Middle Premise

Answer 10

Nonexistent thing. No middle premise, just a middle term.

Question 11

What is the standard order for a syllogism?

Answer 11

Major premise, Minor premise, Conclusion

Question 12

What are the five steps to put syllogisms into standard form for categorical syllogisms?

Answer 12

1. Find the conclusion: Look for the key conclusion words like therefore, thus, so, consequently, etc.
2. Find the major term: This will be the predicate of the conclusion
3. Find the major premise: Is the premise containing the major term.
4. Find the minor premise: Contains the minor term
5. Write the syllogism out in standard order: Major premise, minor premise, conclusion.