The informal method of reasoning typical of rhetorical discourse. The enthymeme is sometimes defined as a "truncated syllogism" since either the major or minor premise found in that more formal method of reasoning is left implied. The enthymeme typically occurs as a conclusion coupled with a reason. When several enthymemes are linked together, this becomes sorites.

Example

We cannot trust this man, for he has perjured himself in the past.
In this enthymeme, the major premise of the complete syllogism is missing:

• Those who perjure themselves cannot be trusted. (Major premise - omitted)
• This man has perjured himself in the past. (Minor premise - stated)
• This man is not to be trusted. (Conclusion - stated)

2.

Example

If to be foolish is evil, then it is virtuous to be wise.
This also an example of chiasmus

Related Figures

• Figures of Reasoning
  • aetiologia
  • anthypophora
  • apophasis
  • contrarium
  • prosapodosis
  • proecthesis
  • ratiocinatio
• Figures of Amplification

• Cause and Effect

• Dialectic
• logos

Sources: Ad Herennium 4.30.41 ("conclusio"); Quintilian 5.14.24