Deductive Reasoning: The process of thought through which a conclusion is reached through a set of premises (assumptions that something is true).
Syllogism : A form of deductive reasoning or argument consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
MAJOR PREMISE: ALL CHILDREN ARE CUTE For example: MAJOR PREMISE: ALL CHILDREN ARE CUTE MINOR PREMISE: ALL BRATS ARE CHILDREN CONCLUSION: ALL BRATS ARE CUTE
MAJOR PREMISE: ALL WELL-PAID PEOPLE ARE EDUCATED For Example: MAJOR PREMISE: ALL WELL-PAID PEOPLE ARE EDUCATED MINOR PREMISE: ALL TEACHERS ARE EDUCATED CONCLUSION: ALL TEACHERS ARE WELL-PAID
Now, find the missing MINOR PREMISE… MAJOR PREMISE: NO PHILOSOPHER IS EVIL MINOR PREMISE: ??? CONCLUSION: NO GREEKS ARE EVIL
Find the missing MAJOR PREMISE… MINOR PREMISE: SOME BIRDS ARE SWANS CONCLUSION: SOME BIRDS ARE WHITE
Find the missing CONCLUSION… MAJOR PREMISE: ALL TIGERS ARE MAMMALS MINOR PREMISE: ALL MAMMALS ARE ANIMALS CONCLUSION: ???
Now, let’s try some on our own! Independently, come up with THREE of your own syllogisms Then, share with a partner Pick the best syllogism either you or your partner wrote In LARGE, visible print, reproduce syllogism on the paper provided to you Presentations of selected syllogisms
What is Deductive Reasoning?