Given the following enthymeme: Anyone who smokes is asking for trouble, and Fred smokes two packs per day.
The statement needed to convert the enthymeme into a valid syllogism is:
A) Fred should quit smoking. (Conclusion)
B) Anyone who smokes two packs per day is asking for trouble. (Premise)
C) Fred may get cancer. (Conclusion)
D) All persons identical to Fred are persons who smoke excessively. (Premise)
E) Fred is asking for trouble. (Conclusion)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The missing premise for the enthymeme is "Fred is a person who smokes." With this added premise, we can form the following syllogism:
Premise 1: Anyone who smokes is asking for trouble.
Premise 2: Fred is a person who smokes.
Conclusion: Fred is asking for trouble.
Therefore, the best choice is E, as it accurately completes the syllogism.

Given the Following Enthymeme: Anyone Who Smokes Is Asking for Trouble