Syllogisms and Syllogisms and EnthymemesEnthymemes

Ksiazek E319

Forming ArgumentsForming ArgumentsArguments are created through:

◦ premises, or logical relationships among ideas

◦an audience acceding to the beliefs underlying those premises

SyllogismSyllogismTerm coined by Aristotle

Used to describe logical reasoning from beliefs and statements

Parts of a SyllogismParts of a SyllogismSyllogisms consist of the

following:◦A major premise: an irrefutable

generalization about the world.◦A minor premise: some particular

statement that falls under the general category.

◦The conclusion: the statement that follows from the major premise and the minor premise.

Syllogism Example #1Syllogism Example #1Major premise: All humans are

mortal.(Inarguable fact…unless you have discovered the

fountain of youth)

Minor premise: Mrs. Ksiazek is human.

(Jedi background has yet to be verified)

Conclusion: Therefore, Mrs. Ksiazek is mortal.

Syllogism Example #2Syllogism Example #2Major premise: Students need to

maintain a B- average to meet the course requisite for AP Language and Composition.

Minor premise: Atticus Finch received a D+ for the semester.

Conclusion: Atticus did not meet the course requisite for AP.

Enthymemes and Enthymemes and SyllogismsSyllogismsSimilarities

◦ Movement of logic◦ Major and minor

premises, conclusion

Differences◦ Enthymemes do not

begin with irrefutable truth, but with an assumption, statement, or proposition that the writer PRESUMES the audience accepts

◦ Major premise is often unstated as a result

Enthymeme Example #1Enthymeme Example #1Major premise: Unstated

Minor premise: Mrs. Ksiazek is a teacher.

Conclusion: Of course, she gave me good advice.

What is the assumed What is the assumed major premisemajor premise ? ? Problems?Problems?

AnswerAnswerPossible major premises:

◦Teachers give good advice.◦Teachers are wise.

Problems:◦Teachers may only be wise in certain

subject areas and may not be qualified to give advice in all areas.

◦General wisdom may not be the only factor to consider when giving advice.

Enthymeme Example #2Enthymeme Example #2Major premise: UnstatedMinor premise: The construction of

large housing developments that adjoin forest preserves upsets the ecosystem and drives animals such as deer, raccoons, and skunks out of their natural habitats.

Conclusion: Therefore, city, county, and state governments should limit the number and size of houses built in such developments.

What is the assumed What is the assumed major premisemajor premise ? ? Problems?Problems?

AnswerAnswerPossible major premises:

◦Animals deserve a stable ecological habitat in which to live, just as humans do.

Problems:◦One could argue that human rights

supercede animal rights.

Petitio PrinicipiPetitio PrinicipiTranslation: begging of the questionProblem of enthymemesWhen major premise is questioned

(whether stated or unstated)Writer must attempt to change

reader’s mindMajor premise needs to become the

conclusion for a new enthymeme

Enthymeme Example #3Enthymeme Example #3Major premise: All creatures of the

Earth play a natural role in maintaining the ecological stability of an area.

Minor premise: Animals contribute to the ecological stability of an area near rural property by feeding on vegetation and smaller animals.

Conclusion: Animals deserve a stable ecological habitat in which to live, just as humans do.

Catcher in the Rye: Catcher in the Rye: Syllogism or Enthymeme?Syllogism or Enthymeme?Major premise: All grieving

individuals undergo seven stages to work through their emotions and accept a loss.

Minor premise: Holden displays anger by breaking all the garage windows after Allie’s death.

Conclusion: Holden has not yet accepted Allie’s death.

Catcher in the Rye:Catcher in the Rye:Syllogism or Enthymeme?Syllogism or Enthymeme?Major premise: A foil character

contrasts with another character in a novel to highlight various features of that character.

Minor premise: Stradlater’s popularity with peers and girls highlights Holden’s isolation.

Conclusion: Stradlater is a foil to Holden.

Now you try!Now you try!Attempt to write a syllogism or an

enthymeme which gives us some sort of insight into the character of Holden Caulfield.

Remember to follow the major premise, minor premise, conclusion format.

Label your example as syllogism or enthymeme.

Be prepared to share, justify, and repeat!