Logical Forms Vocabulary

a form of reasoning with two premises leading to a conclusion

“The classic syllogism: All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal.”

Origin: Greek `syllogismos` (reckoning together), from `syn-` (together) + `logizesthai` (to reason)

an argument where one premise is implied rather than stated

“He's a politician, so he must be dishonest—an enthymeme assuming all politicians are dishonest.”

Origin: Greek `enthymema` (consideration), from `en-` (in) + `thymos` (mind, spirit)

the art of investigating truth through discussion and reasoning

“Socratic dialectic involves questioning assumptions to reach deeper truths.”

Origin: Greek `dialektike` (art of debate), from `dialegesthai` (to converse), from `dia-` (through) + `legein` (to speak)

a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

“The detective drew an inference from the scattered clues.”

Origin: Latin `inferentia`, from `inferre` (bring in, carry in), from `in-` (in) + `ferre` (to carry)

reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions

“Through deduction, we can determine the culprit from these facts.”

Origin: Latin `deductio` (a leading down), from `deducere` (lead down), from `de-` (down) + `ducere` (to lead)

reasoning from specific instances to general principles

“Scientific induction involves generalizing from observed data.”

Origin: Latin `inductio` (a leading in), from `inducere` (lead in), from `in-` (in) + `ducere` (to lead)

inference to the best explanation

“Abductive reasoning suggests the most likely cause of these symptoms.”

Origin: Latin `abductio` (a leading away), from `abducere` (lead away), from `ab-` (away) + `ducere` (to lead)

a thing suggested as a basis for reasoning

“Let us postulate that human behavior is fundamentally rational.”

Origin: Latin `postulatum` (a demand, request), from `postulare` (to demand), from `poscere` (to ask urgently)

a statement regarded as self-evidently true

“The axiom that all people are created equal underlies democracy.”

Origin: Greek `axioma` (that which is thought worthy), from `axios` (worthy)

a proposition proved by reasoning from accepted truths

“The Pythagorean theorem follows logically from geometric axioms.”

Origin: Greek `theorema` (a sight, speculation), from `theorein` (to look at, observe), from `theoros` (spectator)