What is the minor premise?

Prepare for the Traditional Logic Memoria Press Test. Optimize your learning with flashcards and in-depth explanations to boost your exam readiness.

Multiple Choice

What is the minor premise?

Explanation:
In a categorical syllogism, the minor premise is the premise that contains the minor term—the subject of the conclusion. The minor term is the class that appears as the subject in the conclusion, while the major term is the predicate of the conclusion, and the middle term links the two premises. For example, consider: All mammals are animals. All dogs are mammals. Therefore, all dogs are animals. The minor term is dogs (the subject of the conclusion), so the premise that includes this term is the minor premise: All dogs are mammals. The major premise then contains the major term animals (the predicate of the conclusion) and the middle term mammals.

In a categorical syllogism, the minor premise is the premise that contains the minor term—the subject of the conclusion. The minor term is the class that appears as the subject in the conclusion, while the major term is the predicate of the conclusion, and the middle term links the two premises.

For example, consider: All mammals are animals. All dogs are mammals. Therefore, all dogs are animals. The minor term is dogs (the subject of the conclusion), so the premise that includes this term is the minor premise: All dogs are mammals. The major premise then contains the major term animals (the predicate of the conclusion) and the middle term mammals.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy