In a standard syllogism, how many premises are there?

• A. One
• B. Four
• C. Three
• D. Two

Answer: (D)

Two premises are used in a standard categorical syllogism. This form links three terms—the major term, the minor term, and a middle term—through two statements, then draws a conclusion about the relationship between the major and minor terms. For example, one premise connects the middle term to the major term, and the other connects the minor term to the middle term; from those two premises, the conclusion about the minor term and major term follows. Having two premises is essential for establishing the chain; a single premise can’t connect both terms, and adding more premises would go beyond the standard form. So the correct number is two.