enthymeme

[Gr. enthymema, from en thymeomai = to consider, to ponder: en = in, and thymos mind, spirit.] Rhet.: An argument consisting only of an antecedent and consequential proposition; a syllogism where the major proposition is suppre ed, and only the minor and consequence produced in words: as, Dionysius is a tyrant, therefore he must fear; where the complete syllogism would be, All tyrants fear: Dionysius is a tyrant: therefore he must fear. "Several concurrent enthymemes are often as cogent as a demonstrative syllogism."-Thomson: Laws of Thought, § 120. fore always more or le enthusiasts; but enthusi asts are not always fanatics or visionaries. There are fanatics who profe to be under extraordinary influences of the spirit; and there are en thusiasts whose intemperate zeal disqualifies them for taking a beneficial part in the sober and solemn services of the church. Visionary signifies properly one who deals in visions , that is, in the pretended appearance of supernatural objects; a species of enthusiasts who have sprung up in more modern times. The leaders of sects are commonly visionaries , having adopted this artifice to establish their reputation and doctrines among their deluded followers; Mahomet was one of the most succe ful visionaries that ever pretended to divine inspiration; and since his time there have been visionaries, particularly in England, who have raised religious parties, by having recourse to the same expedient. Fanatic was originally confined to those who were under religious frenzy, but the present age has presented us with the monstrosity of fanatics in irreligion and anarchy. Enthusiast is applied in general to every one who is filled with an extraordinary degree of fervor; visionary to one who deals in fanciful speculation." (Crabb: Eng. Synon.)