Enthymemes vs. Premise

Attribute	Enthymemes	Premise
Definition	An argument in which one premise is not explicitly stated	A statement that supports or provides a reason for a conclusion
Structure	Consists of a stated premise, an unstated premise, and a conclusion	Consists of a single statement that supports a conclusion
Completeness	May not be complete or fully explicit	Is typically complete and explicit
Usage	Often used in informal reasoning and persuasive arguments	Used in formal logic and reasoning

Definition

Enthymemes and premises are both essential components of logical arguments, but they serve slightly different functions. A premise is a statement that provides the foundation for an argument, while an enthymeme is a rhetorical device that omits one of the premises or the conclusion, assuming that the audience will fill in the missing piece. In other words, an enthymeme is a truncated syllogism that relies on the audience's ability to make the logical connection.

Structure

When comparing the structure of enthymemes and premises, it is important to note that a premise is a complete statement that supports the conclusion of an argument. For example, in the syllogism "All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal," the first two statements are premises that lead to the conclusion. On the other hand, an enthymeme might omit the first premise and simply state, "Socrates is mortal," assuming that the audience will understand the missing premise that all humans are mortal.

Usage

Enthymemes are commonly used in persuasive writing and speech to engage the audience and encourage them to think critically about the argument being presented. By leaving out a premise or conclusion, the speaker or writer can prompt the audience to fill in the missing piece, making them more actively involved in the argument. Premises, on the other hand, are more straightforward and are typically used in formal logic and academic writing to provide a solid foundation for an argument.

Effectiveness

Both enthymemes and premises can be effective in constructing logical arguments, but they serve different purposes and have different impacts on the audience. Enthymemes can be more engaging and persuasive because they require the audience to actively participate in the argument, filling in the missing pieces and making connections on their own. Premises, on the other hand, provide a clear and explicit foundation for an argument, making it easier for the audience to follow the logical progression.

Examples

One example of an enthymeme might be the statement, "She is a good student, so she will do well on the test." The missing premise in this case is that good students typically perform well on tests. By leaving out this premise, the speaker is relying on the audience to make the connection. In contrast, a premise in the same argument might be, "Good students typically perform well on tests." This statement provides a clear foundation for the conclusion that the student will do well on the test.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both enthymemes and premises are important components of logical arguments, they serve slightly different functions and have different impacts on the audience. Enthymemes are more engaging and persuasive, as they require the audience to fill in missing pieces and make connections on their own. Premises, on the other hand, provide a clear and explicit foundation for an argument, making it easier for the audience to follow the logical progression. Both are valuable tools in constructing effective arguments, and understanding the differences between them can help writers and speakers craft more compelling and convincing messages.