An epicheireme (/ɛpiˈkrim/ e-pee-KEYE-reem)[a] is a compound syllogism in which at least one of the premises is stated along with a justification for itself.[1][2] Epicheirema are abridged polysyllogisms.[3] Like the enthymeme, epicheirema are often used in everyday speech.[citation needed]

Basic form

edit

An epicheireme is a compound syllogism in which at least one of the premises is stated along with a justification for itself. The justificatory portion is referred to as a causal proposition, and is usually introduced by the words "for", "since", or "because". An example of an epicheireme is as follows, with the causal proposition marked in bold italics:[1][2]

All waiters are beneficent because they cater to the needs of their customers.
Darryl is a waiter.
Therefore, Darryl is beneficent.

Three kinds of epicheirema

edit

Epicheirema are categorized in three varieties, depending on which premise (or premises) contain a causal proposition. In a first order epicheireme, the causal proposition is in the major premise.[citation needed]

First Order Epicheireme

All M are P, since r
S is M
Therefore, S is P

(where r is the justification for the proposition that precedes it)

In a second order epicheireme, the causal proposition is in the minor premise.[citation needed]

Second Order Epicheireme

All M are P
S is M, since r
Therefore, S is P

In a third order epichireme, there are causal propositions in both premises.[citation needed]

Third Order Epicheireme

All M are P, since r1
S is M, since r2
Therefore, S is P

A concrete example of a third order epicheireme is as follows:

All waiters are beneficent because they cater to the needs of their customers.
Darryl is a waiter since Darryl serves tables at Chez Casimir
Therefore, Darryl is beneficent.

Notes

edit
  1. ^ plural "epicheirema" /ɛpikˈrimə/ e-pee-keye-REEM

References

edit
  1. ^ a b J. Maritain. Formal Logic. Sheed & Ward. p. 253. ASIN B0007F0HL0.
  2. ^ a b Martin Cothran (2017). Traditional Logic II. Memoria Press. p. 75.
  3. ^ Sister Miriam Joseph, C.S.C., Ph.D. The Trivium - The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric. PAUL DRY BOOKS. p. 145. ISBN 978-0967967509.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)