syllogism

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Syllogism \Syl"lo*gism\, n. [OE. silogisme, OF. silogime, sillogisme, F. syllogisme, L. syllogismus, Gr. syllogismo`s a reckoning all together, a reasoning, syllogism, fr. syllogi`zesqai to reckon all together, to bring at once before the mind, to infer, conclude; sy`n with, together + logi`zesqai to reckon, to conclude by reasoning. See Syn-, and Logistic, Logic.] (Logic) The regular logical form of every argument, consisting of three propositions, of which the first two are called the premises, and the last, the conclusion. The conclusion necessarily follows from the premises; so that, if these are true, the conclusion must be true, and the argument amounts to demonstration;

Note: as in the following example: [1913 Webster] Every virtue is laudable; Kindness is a virtue; Therefore kindness is laudable. [1913 Webster] These propositions are denominated respectively the major premise, the minor premise, and the conclusion. [1913 Webster]

Note: If the premises are not true and the syllogism is regular, the reasoning is valid, and the conclusion, whether true or false, is correctly derived. [1913 Webster] Syllogistic

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

syllogism

/sil'oh-jiz`*m/ <logic> Deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises. The conclusion necessarily follows from the premises so that, if these are true, the conclusion must be true, and the syllogism amounts to demonstration. To put it another way, the premises imply the conclusion.

For example, every virtue is laudable; kindness is a virtue; therefore kindness is laudable.

Strangely, a syllogism can still be true if the premises are false.

Compare inference rule. [Relationship between premises?]

(2009-10-28)

The Devil's Dictionary

SYLLOGISM, n. A logical formula consisting of a major and a minor assumption and an inconsequent. (See LOGIC.)