minor premiss
Definition
Noun: - In logic, specifically within a categorical syllogism, the minor premiss is the premise that contains the minor term. The minor term is the subject of the conclusion of the syllogism.
Usage
The minor premiss is one of the two premises in a standard syllogistic argument. It is identified by locating the premise that includes the term which becomes the subject in the conclusion. - In the syllogism: "All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal," the statement "Socrates is a human" is the minor premiss. Here, "Socrates" is the minor term (the subject of the conclusion "Socrates is mortal").
Advanced Usage
- Role in Syllogistic Form: The minor premiss, together with the major premiss (which contains the major term, or the predicate of the conclusion), is used to deduce the conclusion. The minor premiss typically states a specific instance or a subset related to the universal claim made in the major premiss.
- Identifying the Minor Premiss: To find it, first identify the conclusion. The subject of the conclusion is the minor term. The premise that contains this minor term is the minor premiss.
Variants and Related Words
- Minor Premise: A common alternative spelling for "minor premiss."
- Premiss / Premise: The terms are often used interchangeably in logic, though "premise" is more common in modern American English.
- Major Premiss: The other premise in a syllogism, which contains the major term (the predicate of the conclusion).
- Conclusion: The statement derived from the two premisses.
- Syllogism: A form of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed premisses.
Synonyms
- Minor premise
- Subsumptive premise (in specific logical contexts, referring to its role of placing the minor term under a larger category)
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Categorical Syllogism: A logical argument consisting of three parts: a major premiss, a minor premiss, and a conclusion.
- Term Logic: The traditional system of logic where the minor premiss is a key component, dealing with the relationships between categories or "terms."
Noun
-
the premise of a syllogism that contains the minor term (which is the subject of the conclusion)
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