If the two premises of a categorical syllogism do not share a middle term, then:

A) at least one of the premises must be false
B) both of the premises must be false
C) there will be two different middle terms
D) the conclusion must be particular
E) the two premises cannot be combined to reach a conclusion

Categorical Syllogism

A form of deductive reasoning consisting of three propositions: a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion, where each proposition involves a classification of things.

Middle Term

In syllogistic logic, it is the term that appears in both premises of a categorical syllogism but not in the conclusion, serving as a bridge between the major and minor terms.

Premises

Statements or reasons offered in support of a conclusion in an argument, serving as the foundation for the logical structure.