Classical logic includes fallacies so that learners can distinguish a sound syllogism from an unsound one that looks sound. Recognizing defective patterns helps prevent their misuse.
When hearing an impressive conclusion, ask:
1. On what grounds is each premise true?
2. Does each key word retain the same meaning?
3. Does the conclusion actually follow from the premises?
This diagnostic use is the useful side of studying sophistry: protection of reasoning rather than manipulation of an audience.
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Sophistical Syllogism: Illusory Premises, Deceptive Resemblances and Fallacies
Classical logic includes fallacies so that learners can distinguish a sound syllogism from an unsound one that looks sound. Recognizing defective patterns helps prevent their misuse.
When hearing an impressive conclusion, ask:
1. On what grounds is each premise true?
2. Does each key word retain the same meaning?
3. Does the conclusion actually follow from the premises?
This diagnostic use is the useful side of studying sophistry: protection of reasoning rather than manipulation of an audience.