Enthymeme

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An enthymeme is a syllogism which omits a premise that is necessary for the conclusion to be true or omits the conclusion itself. The term is also used in a broader context to refer to any informal argument that includes unstated assumptions. While the term existed prior to Aristotle, he was the first to use it in this sense.[1]

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[edit] Example

An example might be something like this:

Santa will give you presents because you've been a good boy.

This statement assumes that Santa gives presents to good boys. This can be restated formally as:

*Santa gives presents to good boys. (unstated premise)
  • You've been a good boy (stated premise)
  • Therefore, Santa will give you presents. (stated conclusion)

[edit] See also

  • Not to be confused with meme

[edit] External links

[edit] Footnotes

  1. "Enthymeme" in "Aristotle's Rhetoric, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
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