What is a syllogism in philosophical terms?

A syllogism is fundamentally a form of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two premises that are assumed to be true. In philosophical terms, this logical structure allows for deducing new information based on previously established facts. The classic example of a syllogism is: "All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal." Here, the first two premises provide a foundation for the conclusion, illustrating how conclusions can be systematically derived from accepted statements.

This method is central to logic and philosophy because it showcases how collective knowledge can be built upon. It highlights the process of logical deduction, underscoring the importance of premises in arriving at valid conclusions, which is why the answer emphasizing this concept is the most accurate representation of what a syllogism is.