Syllogism

A syllogism is a form of logical reasoning that uses deductive reasoning to arrive at a conclusion based on two premises: a major premise and a minor premise. The conclusion follows logically from these premises if they are structured properly. Syllogisms are often used in philosophical arguments and everyday reasoning to make clear, structured arguments.

 Structure of a Syllogism:

1. Major premise: A general statement.

2. Minor premise: A specific statement related to the major premise.

3. Conclusion: A statement that follows logically from the two premises.

 Example 1:

- Major premise: All humans are mortal.

- Minor premise: Socrates is a human.

- Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

 Example 2:

- Major premise: All dogs are animals.

- Minor premise: Rover is a dog.

- Conclusion: Therefore, Rover is an animal.

 Example 3:

- Major premise: All birds have feathers.

- Minor premise: A robin is a bird.

- Conclusion: Therefore, a robin has feathers.

Syllogisms are valid if the conclusion follows logically from the premises, but they aren’t necessarily true unless both premises are true.