In this question you will be matching the premises or conclusion correctly with the statements to construct a sound syllogism.

Copy each statement below. Next to each statement type one of these three choices:

Minor Premise, Major Premise, Conclusion.

A. The American Cancer Society has stated that smoking three packs of cigarettes a day reduces life expectancy.

B. Though Americans live in a well-developed country, Americans are reducing their life expectancy on a daily basis.

C. Many Americans are addicted to smoking and consume more than three packs of cigarettes a day.

The answer is:

Minor premise

C. Many Americans are addicted to smoking and consume more than three packs of cigarettes a day.

Major Premise

A. The American Cancer Society has stated that smoking three packs of cigarettes a day reduces life expectancy.

Conclusion

B. Though Americans live in a well-developed country, Americans are reducing their life expectancy on a daily basis.

Syllogism is a logical argument based on deductive reasoning, in which a conclusion is supported by two premises. The minor premise consists of the subject of the conclusion; in this case, "many Americans are addicted to smoking." The major premise contains the predicate of the conclusion, such as "smoking three packs of cigarettes a day reduces life expectancy. " As a result, the conclusion is a deductive combination of the two propositions.