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Definition:
An enthymeme is a deductive argument which is expressed in ordinary language, rather
than formal logical language, and from which some key premise has been omitted
(usually because, in ordinary conversation, it does not need to be expressed). For
example:
Socrates is a man, therefore Socrates is mortal.
This argument leaves out the premise "All men are mortal," which is found when this argument is expressed more formally:
All men are mortal.
Socrates is a man.
Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Normally, there is nothing wrong with an enthymeme - but using them can give the appearance of creating a non sequitur, so one should be careful. Using them can also mask an important premise, as with the following quote taken from a press release from the Ayn Rand Institute:
skin color... should not be a factor in evaluating... competence or moral stature. It follows that skin color should not be a factor in taking actions toward other people, e.g., hiring and admitting to universities.
The above argument is an enthymeme, because it leaves out the critical premise "Hiring and university admission should be based solely on competence or moral stature." Without that premise, the above argument would simply be a non sequitur. Enthymemes should not, therefore, be employed when the missing premise is at all questionable or debatable.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
