Logical Reasoning Syllogisms and Three Types of Hypothetical

Syllogisms

Definition of A Syllogism

A syllogism is a deductive argument presented in the form of two supporting premises and a conclusion. Premises and conclusion will be presented on separate lines with the conclusion last.

Two Types of SyllogismsHypothetical Syllogisms, is a form of deductive

arguments that contain two premises at least one of which is a hypothetical or “if…., then …..” statement.

Categorical Syllogisms, is a deductive argument, in which categories or sorts things into specific classes, such as mammals, students, or countries. It is composed of a conclusion, two premises and three terms, each of which occurs exactly twice in two of the three propositions.

Three Types of Hypothetical SyllogismsModus Ponens , is a hypothetical syllogism

in which the antecedent premise is affirmed by the consequent premise.

Example: If A (antecedent), then B (consequent).

A. Therefore, B.

If I get the raise at work, then I will pay off my debt.

I got the raise at work.Therefore, I will pay off my debt.

Three Types of Hypothetical SyllogismsModus Tollens, is a hypothetical syllogism

in which the second premise denies the consequent, and the conclusion denies the truth of the antecedent.

Example If A (Ancedent), then B (Consequent). Not B. Therefore, Not A. If Jim is a lawyer, then he went to law school.Jim did not go to law school.Therefore, Jim is not a lawyer.

Three Types of Hypothetical SyllogismsChain Arguments, are hypothetical

arguments in which three or more conditional premises are linked together.

Example:If A, then B.If B, then C. If C, then D.Therefore, A, then D.