1. Hypothetical Syllogism If/Then Statements

2. Parts Major Premise: Two-part statement: – 1) "if," statement, known as the antecedent; – 2) consequent Minor Premise: Either affirms or denies the antecedent or the consequent Conclusion: deducted from the major and minor premises

3. Example Mrs. Wolters has not lost her mind If Mrs. Wolters hears one more poorly constructed excuse, she is going to lose her mind. Mrs. Wolters has not lost her mind, so Mrs. Wolters has not heard another poorly constructed excuse. Antecedent Consequent Major Premise Minor Premise Conclusion

4. Valid Forms Valid Form: Affirming the Antecedent (in the minor) – If students at WHS study hard, they may be admitted to college. Joe studies hard, so Joe may be admitted to college. Major Premise:If students at WHS study hard, they may be admitted to college. Minor Premise:Joe studies hard. (AA) -affirms the antecedent ------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion:Joe may be admitted to college. (affirms the consequent)

5. Valid Forms Valid Form: Denying the Consequent (in the minor) – If Americans combine education with hard work, they will be successful in their endeavors. Bob is not successful in his endeavors, so Bob has not combined education with hard work. Major Premise: If Americans combine education with hard work, they will be successful in their endeavors. Minor Premise: Bob is not successful in his endeavors. (DC) -denies consequent ---------------------------------------------------------------- Conclusion: Bob has not combined education with hard work.

6. Invalid Forms Untruthful/Incorrect premise Major Premise: If I make this half-court shot, I’ll ace my math test. Minor Premise: I made the half-court shot!!! (affirms antecedent) ------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion: I got a 96% on my math test!!

7. Invalid Forms Invalid Form: Affirming the Consequent: (in the minor) Major Premise: If Sara practices every day, she will become better at karate. Minor Premise: Sara is becoming better at karate. (affirms the consequent) ------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion: Sara is practicing every day.

8. Invalid Forms Denying the Antecedent (in the minor) Major Premise: If students at WHS study hard, they may be admitted to college. Minor Premise: That student doesn't study hard. (denies the antecedent) ------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion: That student won't be admitted to college.