Sophism in Socrates' Time

and
Present Day Society
By
Bill Kilpatrick
The Sophists?
During Socrates’ time Sophists were:

Individuals that, for a price, taught courses in

rhetoric
 “the art of using language as a means to
persuade” - Wikipedia)
Criticized by many as using verbal tricks and
ambiguous language to support false
reasoning.
 “making the weaker argument appear the
stronger”
 Similar to the modern concept of “spin”
Frequently wealthy
soph·ism
(noun)
1: an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid ;
especially : such an argument used to deceive

Sophists frequently make use of syllogisms:

syl·lo·gism
(noun)
1 : a deductive scheme of a formal argument consisting of a
major and a minor premise and a conclusion

Sophists regularly use false

syllogisms…
From merriam-webster.com
Some syllogisms are
valid:
Major Premise: Any person who is born in America
is an American citizen.

Minor Premise: Jeanette was born in America

Conclusion: Jeanette is an American citizen.

Some syllogisms are

not:
Major Premise: Drivers in New Jersey don’t pump
their own gas at a gas station.

Minor Premise: Someone is pumping gas for Ryan

at a gas station.

Conclusion: Ryan is in New Jersey.

Geritol:

"twice the iron in a

pound of calf's liver"
•A calf’s liver contains a high amount
of iron.
•People need iron to stay healthy.
•Geritolhas twice as much iron as a
pound of calf’s liver
•Conclusion: People taking Geritol will
be healthier
The "Ab Belt":
•Sit-ups and crunches stimulate muscle tissue
•Sit-ups and crunches can strengthen and tone
abdominal muscles
•Electricity stimulates muscle tissue
•Conclusion: Electricity can strengthen and tone
abdominal muscles

“AB Sonic action

gives you 600 sit-ups
in 10 minutes”
My Snoring Solution:

•Sleep Apnea can kill you.

•Snoring is a common symptom of Sleep
Apnea
•Conclusion: Snoring can kill you.

“CNN reports
snoring can kill
you!”
Camel Cigarettes:

•Doctors are concerned with

promoting health
•More doctors smoke Camels than
any other brand.
•Conclusion: Camel brand
cigarettes are healthier than non-
camel brand cigarettes.
End