What is the purpose of a conclusion in a syllogism?

What is the purpose of a conclusion in a syllogism?

• A. To present a new premise
• B. To follow logically from the premises
• C. To summarize the main arguments
• D. To provide a rhetorical question

Answer: (B)

The purpose of a conclusion in a syllogism is to follow logically from the premises. In a syllogism, premises are statements or propositions that provide the foundational information, and the conclusion is derived from these premises through deductive reasoning. When the premises are structured properly, the conclusion must necessarily reflect the logical implications of those statements. For example, if the premises state that "All humans are mortal" and "Socrates is a human," the conclusion would logically follow that "Socrates is mortal." This connection between the premises and the conclusion exemplifies the purpose of the conclusion to ensure it is a direct result of the logical relationships established by the premises. This logical flow is essential for the validity of the argument being made in the syllogism. In contrast, presenting a new premise or summarizing main arguments deviates from the primary role of a conclusion. A rhetorical question does not assert a definitive logical outcome and does not provide a conclusion based on premises. Thus, these options do not align with the core function of a conclusion in the context of syllogistic reasoning.

The purpose of a conclusion in a syllogism is to follow logically from the premises. In a syllogism, premises are statements or propositions that provide the foundational information, and the conclusion is derived from these premises through deductive reasoning. When the premises are structured properly, the conclusion must necessarily reflect the logical implications of those statements.

For example, if the premises state that "All humans are mortal" and "Socrates is a human," the conclusion would logically follow that "Socrates is mortal." This connection between the premises and the conclusion exemplifies the purpose of the conclusion to ensure it is a direct result of the logical relationships established by the premises. This logical flow is essential for the validity of the argument being made in the syllogism.

In contrast, presenting a new premise or summarizing main arguments deviates from the primary role of a conclusion. A rhetorical question does not assert a definitive logical outcome and does not provide a conclusion based on premises. Thus, these options do not align with the core function of a conclusion in the context of syllogistic reasoning.