What type of reasoning is represented by a three-part deductive argument, often including a major premise and a minor premise?

The correct answer is syllogism, which is a specific form of deductive reasoning characterized by a structured three-part argument. In a syllogism, there are typically two premises—one major and one minor—that lead to a conclusion. The major premise provides a general statement or principle, the minor premise introduces a specific case related to that general statement, and the conclusion ties these premises together in a logical format.

For example, a classic syllogism would be: "All humans are mortal" (major premise), "Socrates is a human" (minor premise), therefore "Socrates is mortal" (conclusion). This form showcases the clarity and precision inherent in logical arguments and is used extensively in philosophical discussions, formal logic, and formal arguments.

While deductive reasoning underlies syllogisms, it is a broader category that encompasses various forms of logical reasoning, not just three-part arguments. Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, involves making generalizations based on specific observations, which is distinctly different from the structure of a syllogism. Lastly, fallacies refer to errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument, further emphasizing the distinction from the structured nature of a syllogism.