Logos & The Syllogism
Logos & The Enthymeme
Rhetoric vs. Dialectic & Supplying the Missing Proposition
100

What does the Greek word "logos" mean?

"word"

100

What is an enthymeme?

a syllogism with one of the premises or the conclusion missing

100

Between rhetoric and dialectic, which one investigates definitions and which one is fine assuming common definitions without investigation?

Rhetoric: assumes definitions

Dialectic: investigates definitions

200

What is one of the three definitions of logos?

the reason that can be given form by words

an ordering of our own thinking through the patterned forms of thought that words make known

the argument itself

200

Enthymeme comes from the Greek words "en" and "thumos." What does this translate to in English?

"in the mind" or "in the spirit"

200

What's the assumed proposition in the following enthymeme:

All humans are mortal, so I am mortal.

I am a human

300

What is a syllogism?

an argument that uses two given propositions (premises) to logically prove a third proposition (the conclusion)

300

Why does Aristotle recommend using enthymemes in rhetoric as opposed to syllogisms? (2 reasons)

they are shorter and easier to follow

(if done well) they appeal to the principles or beliefs the audience already agrees to

300

What's the assumed proposition in the following enthymeme:

Abortion hurts innocent people, so it is morally wrong. 

A things that hurt innocent people are morally wrong. 

If something hurts innocent people, it is morally wrong. 

400

What are the three types of syllogisms/enthymemes we discussed?

categorical

hypothetical

disjunctive

400

What can people think if you use enthymemes poorly?

If you use enthymemes poorly (making bad assumptions), people will think that you are hiding your argument or trying to get away with faulty reasoning.

400

I don't need to learn English; I'm not going to England!

(adapted from Homer Simpson)

All (only) people that need to learn English are people goingto/living in England.

If someone learns English, then they are traveling to/living in England.

500

How do you tell the difference between categorical, hypothetical, and disjunctive syllogisms?

categorical: all, no, some, some...not...

hypothetical: if...then...

disjunctive: either...or...

500

How do you make sure that the assumptions you make in a speech are "good" assumptions? (two criteria)

Based in reason

Believed by the audience

500

What's the assumed proposition in the following enthymeme:

All nations secure their borders, and America is the best nation in the world!

(adapted from Ronald Reagan)

America should secure its borders. 

America secures its borders.