Syllogism

(sil'lo-jizm.) [From Gr. syllogismos; syllogizomai, Ibring at once before the mind.) (Log.) An argument consisting of three propositions; the two first of which are called the premises, and the last the conclusion. S. are nothing more than our reasoning reduced to form and method; and as every act of reasoning implies three several judgments, so every S. must include three distinct propositions; as appears in the following S.: " Every creature po e ed of reason and liberty is accountable for his actions; " " Man is a creature po e ed of reason and liberty; " " Therefore man is accountable for his actions." These propositions are denominated the major, the minor, and the conclusion. [s. 873]