Syllogisms and Enthymemes You be the judge Directions
Syllogisms and Enthymemes You be the judge
Directions l l l I will give you a statement. You identify it as a syllogism (S) or an enthymeme (E). If it is a syllogism, answer the following: 1) is it valid? 2) is it true? If it is an enthymeme, turn it into a syllogism, then answer the same two questions.
Directions, cont. l Try drawing the syllogism with the circles, as you saw yesterday l We will do these one at a time on the white boards, then we’ll check the answers.
Here we go: l Kara was dropped from the team because she didn’t maintain a “C” average.
answers l l l Enthymeme Students who do not maintain a minimum “C” average are not allowed to participate in school sports. Kara did not maintain a “C” average. Kara can not participate in school sports True and valid
l l l All black animals are dogs My animal is black My animal is a dog
Second one: l l Syllogism Not true (major premise) but valid.
How about these? l I got a flat tire on my way to work this morning because I ran over a large, sharp rock in the roadway.
answers l Enthymeme Running over large, sharp rocks with your car will cause a flat tire. I ran over a large, sharp rock. I got a flat tire. l True, at least most of the time, and valid l l l
How about this one? l l l All freeway exit signs are green Johnny’s hat is a freeway exit sign
answers l l Syllogism Not true, and not valid (minor premise does not match with the major premise)
And again: l Barack Obama was elected president because he is black.
answers l Enthymeme l All black people who run for office get elected Barak Obama is black Barak Obama got elected It is not true (major premise) but it is valid l l l
You should be getting good at this l l l All GOHS varsity basketball players are over 5’ 11”. Christian is 6’ 3” Christian is a GOHS varsity basketball player
Did you get it? l l Syllogism Not true and not valid (minor premise does not match major premise)
One more l I don’t feel sorry for that homeless guy; he’s no doubt on drugs
Check it out l Enthymeme l l All homeless people are on drugs That guy is homeless That guy is on drugs l Not true (major premise) but valid l
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