What characterizes an enthymeme in logical discourse?

An enthymeme is characterized by the presence of an implicit element, typically an omitted reason or conclusion, that the audience is expected to fill in based on shared beliefs or knowledge. This rhetorical strategy allows for concise arguments because it assumes that certain premises or conclusions are understood without needing explicit articulation. The effectiveness of an enthymeme often relies on the audience's ability to infer the unstated part of the argument, which connects more directly with them and can create a sense of engagement.

In contrast, a complete argument with no gaps would define a syllogism or a fully stated argument, while an argument that uses statistical analysis pertains specifically to empirical evidence rather than the structure of an argument. A thoroughly detailed explanation does not capture the essence of an enthymeme, as enthymemes thrive on brevity and economy of words, relying on the audience's ability to grasp the implied context.