5.2 Aristotle and Syllogisms

Aristotle (384–322 BCE) is often called the “father of LogicThe study of correct reasoning.” because he was the first person to systematise the principles of reasoning. His work laid the foundation for formal Logic studies, and his method known as syllogisms remains a cornerstone of logical thought today.

What Is a Syllogism?

A syllogismA type of argument that uses deductive reasoning. is a type of argument that uses deductive reasoning. It consists of three parts:

1. Major premise: A general statement
   Example: All humans are mortal.
2. Minor premise: A specific statement.
   Example: Aristotle is a human.
3. Conclusion: A statement that follows logically on from the premises.
   Example: Aristotle is mortal.

For a syllogism to be valid, it must:

• Contain three terms (in this case, “humans”, “mortal”, and “Aristotle”), and each term must be used consistently throughout the argument.
• Have a conclusion that follows necessarily from the premises.