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Enthymeme
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Syllogism Vs. Enthymeme
Other Examples
A syllogism is a three-part deductive argument in which both premises establish justification for a conclusion.
Example of Syllogism:
Some men eat meat. All men are humans. Therefore, some humans eat meat.
Syllogism Vs. Enthymeme
Definition
Enthymemes deal with possibilities and are incomplete arguments.
Examples of Enthymeme:
"Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy." -Lloyd Bentsen
- Where there is smoke, there is fire.
- The gun has the defendant's fingerprints on the trigger. Therefore, he's guilty.
- He could not have committed this heinous crime. I have known him since he was a child.
Functions
An argumentative statement in which either the major or minor premise is left implied. This is why it's often defined as a "truncated syllogism".
The usage of enthymeme is common in ads, politcal speeches, and literature. It makes the audience work out their own conclusions, which ultimately strengthens the argument of the rhetor.
Enthymeme
Syllogism
Major Premise: Many college students are required to write
regularly.
Premise: Many college students are required to write
regularly.
Enthymeme
Minor Premise: Regular blogging allows college students to express their thoughts and ideas and practice writing.
Conclusion: Therefore, college students might be better bloggers.
Conclusion: Therefore, college students are better bloggers.
Syllogisms lead to conclusions supported by so-called universal truths while enthymemes lead to conclusions drawn from an incomplete premise.