Syllogisms and Enthymemes
Ksiazek E319
Forming Arguments

Arguments are created through:
◦ premises, or logical relationships among ideas
◦ an audience acceding to the beliefs underlying
those premises
Syllogism

Term coined by Aristotle

Used to describe logical reasoning from
beliefs and statements
Parts of a Syllogism

Syllogisms 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 #1

Major 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 #2

Major 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 Syllogisms

Similarities
◦ 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 #1

Major premise: Unstated

Minor premise: Mrs. Ksiazek is a teacher.

Conclusion: Of course, she gave me good
advice.
What is the assumed major
premise ? Problems?
Answer

Possible 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 #2
Major premise: Unstated
 Minor 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 major
premise ? Problems?
Answer

Possible 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 Prinicipi
Translation: begging of the question
 Problem of enthymemes
 When major premise is questioned
(whether stated or unstated)
 Writer must attempt to change reader’s
mind
 Major premise needs to become the
conclusion for a new enthymeme

Enthymeme Example #3
Major 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:
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:
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!
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!
