sorites

Sorites \So*ri"tes\, n. [L., from Gr. swrei`ths (sc.
   syllogismo`s), properly, heaped up (hence, a heap of
   syllogisms), fr. swro`s a heap.] (Logic)
   An abridged form of stating of syllogisms in a series of
   propositions so arranged that the predicate of each one that
   precedes forms the subject of each one that follows, and the
   conclusion unites the subject of the first proposition with
   the predicate of the last proposition, as in following
   example; 
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         The soul is a thinking agent;
         A thinking agent can not be severed into parts;
         That which can not be severed can not be destroyed;
         Therefore the soul can not be destroyed.
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   Note: When the series is arranged in the reverse order, it is
         called the Goclenian sorites, from Goclenius, a
         philosopher of the sixteenth century.
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   {Destructive sorities}. See under {Destructive}.
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