What type of reasoning involves using abbreviated arguments?

Enthymematic reasoning is characterized by the use of abbreviated arguments where one or more of the premises or conclusions are unstated. This type of reasoning often relies on the audience's ability to fill in the gaps based on shared knowledge or common beliefs. For example, in a typical enthymeme, you might encounter a statement like "He must be a good leader because he was elected," where the premise that "being elected indicates good leadership" is implied rather than explicitly stated.

This approach is particularly effective in persuasive speaking and writing, as it engages the audience by allowing them to actively participate in the reasoning process. Enthymemes can lead to more compelling arguments since they often reflect commonly held assumptions, making them resonate more with the audience. Other forms of reasoning, such as inductive, deductive, and statistical reasoning, do not necessarily employ this abbreviated style, focusing instead on complete arguments and structured logical conclusions.