Polysyllogism

 One of the 4 types of Complex Arguments

 Also called multi-premise syllogism
 A syllogism that links multiple other syllogisms in such a way that one’s
conclusion can be another's syllogism’s premise
 A string of any number of propositions forming together a sequence of
syllogisms such that the conclusion of each syllogism, together with the next
proposition is a premise for the next, and so on.
 Each constituent syllogism is a prosyllogism except the very last because the
conclusion of the last syllogism is not a premise for another syllogism.

Basic Form of a Polysyllogism

All A is B
All C is A
Therefore, all C is B
All D is C
Therefore, all D is B

Basis of validity of Polysyllogism – Validity of all its parts. All component

syllogisms must also be valid.

Example

It is raining.
If we go out while it is raining, we will get wet
If we get wet, we will get cold
Therefore, if we go out we will get cold

Sorites

 A specific kind of polysyllogism in which the predicate of each proposition is

the subject of the next premise.
 Ex:
All lions are big cats.
All big cats are predators.
All predators are carnivores.
Therefore, all lions are carnivores.