Syllogism Definition:

A syllogism is a form of logical reasoning in which two propositions (known as premises) are combined to draw a logical conclusion. It consists of three parts: a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. Syllogisms represent a fundamental tool in formal logic and are commonly used to test the validity of arguments.

Components of a Syllogism:

1. Major Premise: The major premise is the first proposition in a syllogism, which establishes a general statement or principle. It predicates a characteristic or relationship about a broad set of individuals or objects.
2. Minor Premise: The minor premise is the second proposition in a syllogism, which provides a specific example or case related to the major premise. It predicates a characteristic or relationship about a particular individual or object.
3. Conclusion: The conclusion is the logical inference drawn from combining the major and minor premises. It follows as a necessary consequence of the premises and represents the outcome or result of the syllogism.

Examples of Syllogisms:

• Example 1:
  • Major Premise: All mammals are warm-blooded animals.
  • Minor Premise: Elephants are mammals.
  • Conclusion: Therefore, elephants are warm-blooded animals.
• Example 2:
  • Major Premise: No reptiles lay eggs that hatch into live young.
  • Minor Premise: All snakes are reptiles.
  • Conclusion: Therefore, no snakes lay eggs that hatch into live young.

Syllogisms provide a structured approach to reasoning and offer a basis for evaluating the logical validity of arguments.