Syllogism
Pattern
Major premise + minor premise→conclusion
Definition
A formal logical argument consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion drawn from them.
Examples
Example 1
All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Aristotle (classic textbook syllogism)
The foundational example of deductive reasoning: major premise, minor premise, conclusion
Example 2
Nothing is better than eternal happiness. A ham sandwich is better than nothing. Therefore, a ham sandwich is better than eternal happiness.
A humorous syllogism that exposes how equivocation ("nothing" shifts meaning) can produce absurd conclusions
Example 3
All taxes reduce economic freedom. This policy is a tax. Therefore, this policy reduces economic freedom.
A political syllogism whose persuasive power depends on whether the audience accepts the major premise
AI Detection Note
AI can produce formal syllogisms but often introduces subtle equivocations or unstated assumptions between premises. The apparent logical rigor may mask gaps that careful readers can detect.
See how your writing uses this figure
Analyze Your Text