2. ORDER OF PROCEDURE IN THE FORMAL TESTING OF ARGUMENTS.
In testing categorical arguments three things are essential; first, to follow a definite plan; second, to give reasons; third, to give the author the benefit of the doubt. In view of these essentials, we suggest this outline which may be helpful to the inexperienced:
(1) Arrange logically and complete the syllogism.
(2) Determine the figure and mood by using symbols.
(3) Apply the rules for negatives and particulars.
(4) Indicate the distribution by underscoring the terms distributed.
(5) Apply the rules for distribution.
(6) Name fallacies, if any, giving reasons.
We recall that to be strictly logical any categorical argument must take this form: first, major premise; second, minor premise; third, conclusion. Often in common conversation either the minor premise or conclusion is given first. Illustrations of this: (1) “He cannot be a gentleman (conclusion); for no gentleman would do such a thing (major premise), and there is no doubt but that he did it” (minor premise). (2) “He has the making of a good teacher (conclusion); because he not only knows, but he knows how to impart what he knows (minor premise), and this is a sure sign of a good teacher” (major premise). When the argument appears in this illogical form, the first duty of the student is to arrange it logically. To do this he must be able to recognize readily the premises and the conclusion. To this end these facts may be of assistance:
(1) A premise always answers the question “Why”, and is often introduced by such words as “for,” “because,” “since,” and the like.
(2) The conclusion is usually introduced by “therefore,” “hence,” “it follows,” etc.
(3) When there are no word-signs those mentioned in the foregoing may be inserted with a view of determining which is the conclusion, and which are the premises.
Suggestions relative to completing abbreviated arguments:
(1) If the conclusion is to be supplied, select the term used twice in the premises; this, the middle term, must not appear in the conclusion. The other two terms may now be connected (copulated) to form the conclusion, the narrower term (minor) being used as the subject, unless it occurs in what clearly seems to be the major premise. (2) If either premise is to be supplied, unite the middle term with the subject of the conclusion for the minor premise, and with the predicate of the conclusion for the major premise. (3) In supplying any missing proposition, care should be taken to make the argument valid, if this can be done in conformity with good English, good sense, and the rules of logic.
As regards the determination of the figure it is well to locate the middle term first, placing above it the symbol M. Then “G” (greater) may be placed above the major term and “S” (smaller) above the minor.