Outline of Session

Teaching Ch. 7—Beginning Unit III: Categorical Syllogisms

I. Introduction to Syllogisms and Validity
IA. The Goal: Reasoning in the Abstract
IB. Remembering the Difference between Truth and Validity (Content vs. Construction)
IC. Analyzing Construction
IC1. Understanding the Template for Construction
IC2. Connection to Grammar
IC3. Mastering the Labels:
IC3a. Terms: Major, Minor, Middle
IC3b. Propositions: Major Premise, Minor Premise, Conclusion
IC3c. Universal vs. Particular
IC3d. Mood and Figure

II. Arranging the Syllogism
IIA. What Are the Basic Components? Creating the Checklist
IIB. Settling on Key Terms
IIC. Ordering Arguments in Normal English (Axioms, Clue-Words, Metaphorical Helps)

III. Categorical Syllogisms
IIIA. Always Start with the Conclusion
IIIC. Issues of Translation
IIID. Identifying the Major and Minor Premises

IV. Enthymemes
IVA. Linking to Rhetoric
IVB. Finding That Which Is Hidden: The Hidden Assumption
IVC. Asking the Right Questions: Enthymeme Sleuthing

V. Moods and Figures
VA. Lingering Historical Questions of the Schema
VA1. Aristotelian (24 validity forms)
VA2. Boolean (15 validity forms)
VA3. Modern (19 validity forms)
VB. Practical Application of Mood and Figure Schemas
VB1. Logic and Medieval Memory Devices
VB2. To Be of Use to Your Students—Create Your Own Memory Devices