1. Syllogisms

2. What is a Syllogism? A basic tool of logic
You use principles of logic in your daily life
Valid- logically correct
True- factually correct
A syllogism may be valid but not true.

3. Premises
Major Premise- a generalized statement about a group that may or may not be true.
Minor Premise- a generalized statement about a person that may or may not be true.
Conclusion- the addition of a major and minor premise.
Major Premise + Minor Premise = Conclusion

4. Examples
All people are mortal. (major premise) John Proctor is a person. (minor premise) Therefore, John Proctor is mortal. (Conclusion) Since the major premise states that all people are mortal and John Proctor is a person. John Proctor must be mortal.

5. More Examples
All people who do not know the commandments are witches. (major premise) Goody Osburn does not know the commandments. (minor premise) Therefore, Goody Osburn is a witch. (conclusion) Goody Osburn does not know the commandments, therefore, she must be a witch.