Syllogisms

Q SYLLOGISMS—THEORY

Syllogisms can be defined as a deductive scheme under which a formal argument is made. It consists of a major and a minor premise, leading up to a conclusion.

For example, let us look at the following example:

Major Premise: Every crime is deplorable;

Minor Premise: Eve teasing is a crime;

Conclusion: Eve teasing is deplorable.

Questions based on Syllogisms always first state the premises and then ask you to derive the conclusion on the basis of the relationship existing between the different elements of the premises.

The best method for solving syllogisms involves the use of Venn Diagrams. We will first look at the main types of premises and then look in detail at the process to be used to solve questions of syllogisms.