Minor premise meaning

A minor premise is a statement in a syllogism that provides support for the conclusion.


Minor premise definitions

Word backwards ronim esimerp
Part of speech The part of speech of "minor premise" is a noun.
Syllabic division mi-nor pre-mise
Plural The plural of "minor premise" is "minor premises."
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) i,o,e
Consonants (5) m,n,r,p,s

The minor premise is a crucial element in deductive reasoning, specifically in syllogistic logic. It is the second part of a logical argument, following the major premise, and leading to the conclusion. This statement provides additional information to support or refute the major premise, ultimately helping to form a valid argument.

Importance of Minor Premise

The minor premise plays a significant role in constructing a sound argument. It is where specific details or examples are presented to connect the major premise to the conclusion. By offering further evidence or considerations, the minor premise strengthens the logic of the overall argument and enhances its persuasiveness.

Structure of a Syllogism

In a typical syllogism, the minor premise is formulated as the first premise and leads into the major premise. This structure sets up a logical progression that culminates in the conclusion. Each premise must be clearly defined and related to the others to ensure the argument is coherent and valid.

Relationship Between Premises

The major and minor premises work together to form the basis of deductive reasoning. While the major premise establishes a general principle or statement, the minor premise offers specific details or examples that support or challenge the major premise. This interplay between the premises is essential for developing a compelling argument.

Overall, the minor premise acts as a bridge between the major premise and the conclusion in a deductive argument. It provides the necessary context and evidence to solidify the logical connections between the two, ultimately helping to establish the validity of the argument. Understanding the role of the minor premise is key to constructing effective and persuasive logical arguments.


Minor premise Examples

  1. In order to make their argument stronger, the debater presented a minor premise to support their main point.
  2. The detective used the minor premise of the suspect's alibi being inconsistent to pursue further investigation.
  3. The scientist relied on a minor premise to draw a conclusion about the results of the experiment.
  4. When writing an essay, it is important to include a minor premise to back up your main argument.
  5. In a logical argument, the minor premise provides additional evidence to support the major premise.
  6. The lawyer highlighted the minor premise of the eyewitness's shaky testimony during the trial.
  7. The research paper included a minor premise to strengthen the overall thesis statement.
  8. During the debate competition, participants were encouraged to include a minor premise in their arguments.
  9. In a philosophical discussion, the minor premise serves as a foundation for the major conclusion.
  10. The minor premise of the presentation focused on providing examples to support the main idea.


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  • Updated 17/05/2024 - 09:17:41