Isn’t the illustration of a syllogism under the entry “enthymeme” actually an invalid syllogism?

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The entry on this site “enthymeme” begins with an explanation of the difference between an “enthymeme” and a “syllogism”. It begins by describing what a syllogism is, and offers this example:

All reptiles are cold-blooded animals. (Major premise)
A lizard is a cold-blooded animal. (Minor premise)
Therefore, a lizard is a reptile. (Conclusion)

The problem with this syllogism is that it is an invalid form. A lizard is not a reptile because it is cold-blooded. Amphibians, insects, arachnids (such as spiders), and fish are also cold-blooded. Just insert one of those categories in place of “reptiles” and you’ll immediately see that this form of syllogism is false.

All fish are cold-blooded animals.
A lizard is a cold-blooded animal.
Therefore, a lizard is a fish.

The following is a valid form:

All reptiles are cold-blooded animals.
A lizard is a reptile.
Therefore a lizard is cold-blooded.

English Tutor Answered question July 31, 2021
0

Very beautiful argument you have put forward. It is just an example disregard of validity or invalidity. Further explanation will be presented under Syllogism heading.

English Tutor Answered question July 31, 2021
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