A syllogism is a form of logical reasoning that consists of two premises followed by a conclusion. It is used to draw a specific conclusion based on general statements. For example, if we say, "All humans are mortal" and "Socrates is a human," we can conclude that "Socrates is mortal." This structure helps clarify relationships between different concepts. Syllogisms are often associated with the philosopher Aristotle, who formalized this method of reasoning. They are foundational in the study of logic and critical thinking, helping individuals understand how to construct valid arguments and identify logical fallacies.