ENTHYMEME

ENTHYMEME Using the following format, make

complete syllogisms of the enthymemes given below. First pick out the conclusion, expressing it if it is not already given. Then fill in the other members, supplying those that are not expressed. Finally criticize the examples by applying to them the various rules of inference.

MODEL The open shop is good for unions

because it makes them more democratic. Major: Whatever makes unions more

democratic is good for unions Minor: But the open shop (is something

that) makes unions more democratic. Concl: Therefore the open shop is good for

unions.

ENTHYMEME Communism, simply because it is a

godless philosophy, contains within itself the seeds of its own destruction. Major : godless philosophy contains within

itself the seeds of its own destruction. Minor: communism is a godless philosophy Concl: Communism contains within itself

the seeds of its own destruction.

ENTHYMEME Teachers’ unions are not desirable

because they take away local control of schools. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs

is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:3) Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME “Whoever is not just is not of God; nor is

he just who does not love his brother.” (Jn. 3:11) Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME He’s dangerous; every ambitious man is

dangerous. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME The weather is threatening; so I refuse to

go. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME The world cannot be self – existent;

therefore it must be created. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME He’s in Boston; therefore he cannot be in

Chicago. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME We should elect Smith; he’s always been

an honourable man. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME Hot summer weather is not the time for

primaries or any kind of election. Too many voters are on vacation or too hot to be interested. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME He’s breathing! He must be alive.

Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME From an account of a Kentucky Derby:

“Anything, of course, that attracts a crowd of 100,000 is a worthwhile spectacle.” Major Minor Conclusion

ENTHYMEME If human life is important and sacred –

and Christ has proved to us that it is important and sacred – then the way in which human life enters the world is most important and sacred. Major Minor Concl

ENTHYMEME I hold that the law regulating such – and –

such is constitutional, and as proof I submit the following quotation from Chief Justice John Marshall:

“Let the end be legitimate, let it be within the scope of the Constitution; and all means which are appropriate, which are plainly consistent with the letter and spirit of the Constitution, are constitutional.”

ENTHYMEME Any man who works for one company for

a long time becomes, in effect, part owner. This man cannot be fired as easily as the man who was hired the day before yesterday. Major Minor Concl

ENTHYMEME Education is impossible in many parts of

the United States today free inquiry and free discussion are impossible. Major Minor Concl

ENTHYMEME “I eagerly look forward to reading your

editorial page even though it is obvious to any thinking and intelligent person that your viewpoint differs from that of 90% of the editors of the country and therefore must be wrong.” (from a letter to the editor). Major Minor Concl

ENTHYMEME John Doe does many good deeds and

should therefore hold the office of dogcatcher. Major Minor Concl

ENTHYMEME What is thinking and how does one go

about doing it? This is not an academic question because I have asked several informed friends and their answers are both confused and confusing. Major: Minor: Concl:

ENTHYMEME Death is an act of God and, as such,

must be respected and praised. Major Minor Concl

EPICHIREME

EPICHIREME Analyze the following arguments. First,

pick out the main syllogism, supplying unexpressed members where necessary; then pick out the proofs of the premises, and then – if there are any – the proofs of these proofs.

EPICHIREME It looks like rain. It’s overcast and the

humidity is very high. But if it looks like rain, I don’t care to go. Its rather silly getting soaked.

EPICHIREME What is spiritual is immortal, because,

since it is simple and intrinsically independent of matter, it cannot be destroyed either by resolution into parts or by separation from matter. But, the human soul is spiritual. Otherwise you could not explain many of its activities: it knows spiritual things, it wills, it reflects. That’s why the human soul must be immortal.

EPICHIREME This community needs Raymond Gorsch

as mayor. Only a strong leader can put the city back on its feet financially. Only a willing worker can fight the forces of intolerance threatening our society. Only a true patriot can give us the real democratic government that we demand. Therefore we must elect Gorsch mayor.

EPICHIREME A fair trade law is of the utmost

importance to the small business man who, because he cannot buy merchandise in quantity and therefore as cheaply as large concerns, is forced either to lose business or money and in some cases both.