minor premise
Definition
Noun: - The premise of a syllogism that contains the minor term: In formal logic, a syllogism is a three-part argument with two premises and a conclusion. The minor premise is the statement that contains the minor term. The minor term is the subject of the conclusion of the syllogism.
Examples
- Noun:
- In the syllogism "All humans are mortal; Socrates is a human; therefore, Socrates is mortal," the statement "Socrates is a human" is the minor premise.
- To test the validity of the argument, you must examine both the major and the minor premise.
Advanced Usage
- Role in Categorical Syllogisms: The minor premise, together with the major premise, allows one to deduce the conclusion. It typically states that a specific case (the minor term) belongs to the category established in the major premise.
- The minor premise links the specific instance to the general rule.
Variants and Related Words
- Minor term (n): The subject of the conclusion, which also appears in the minor premise.
- In the example, "Socrates" is the minor term.
- Major premise (n): The premise of a syllogism that contains the major term (the predicate of the conclusion).
- Syllogism (n): A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises).
Synonyms
- Subsumptive premise: A less common term indicating the premise that subsumes the minor term under the major term.
- Second premise: In the standard order of a syllogism, it is often listed as the second statement.
Related Phrases
- To establish the minor premise: To provide evidence or acceptance for the truth of the minor premise in an argument.
- The debater's first task was to establish the minor premise that the event actually occurred.
Noun
-
the premise of a syllogism that contains the minor term (which is the subject of the conclusion)
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