The presence of two premises and a conclusion does not by itself make an argument demonstrative. We must distinguish the form of inference from the matter of its premises.
“The beloved is a moon” may imaginatively convey beauty. As a literal astronomical claim it cannot serve as a factual premise. Treating a metaphor as literal can lead to spurious inference.
This is why poetic discourse is a distinct art: apparent structure, evidential status and intended effect need not coincide.
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Poetic Syllogism: Imagined Premises and Emotional Influence
The presence of two premises and a conclusion does not by itself make an argument demonstrative. We must distinguish the form of inference from the matter of its premises.
“The beloved is a moon” may imaginatively convey beauty. As a literal astronomical claim it cannot serve as a factual premise. Treating a metaphor as literal can lead to spurious inference.
This is why poetic discourse is a distinct art: apparent structure, evidential status and intended effect need not coincide.