Modes of reasoning Questions

Test 2 (Short practice with Examples of answers)

Part 1: Paraphrase the statement (bottom line) and identify the proposition (A;E;I;O) on the top line using parameters if necessary (1 each; total 14 points)

(First question is an example of a proper answer.

1. Some puppies are not yet three months old __I___

Some puppies are not yet three months old animals

___________________________________________________________________________

2. There are oysters that don’t contain pearls _____

_____________________________________________________________________________

3. Everything green is extended _____

______________________________________________________________________________

(There will be 14 questions like these)

Part 2: For each argument, do the following: Put the argument into traditional form (paraphrasing and using parameters if necessary). Assign letters to terms and express the argument schematically (Some B are Cs...) Check the argument for validity using the Venn diagram and the traditional method. Indicate whether it is valid or invalid. If invalid, list all the fallacies committed (Four term fallacy; Fallacy of Undistributed Middle; Fallacy of Illicit Minor; Fallacy of Illicit Major; Fallacy of Illicit Exclusion; Fallacy of Illicit Inclusion) (2 points each; 10 points total)

(First question is an example of a proper answer. Each argument must be supported with a Venn diagram scanned/photographed and inserted at the end of the document)

Question 1. I learned today that no sound argument has inconsistent premises. My friend told me that some valid arguments have inconsistent premises. It appears that some sound arguments are not valid.

No sound arguments are arguments with inconsistent premises No S are I (E)

Some valid arguments are arguments with inconsistent premises Some V are I (I)

Therefore, some sound arguments are not valid arguments. Therefore, Some S not V (O)

Validity: Invalid

Fallacies: Illicit Major

Question 2: Some sailors swim. Hence, some sailors do not dive, for some swimmers are divers.

Validity:

Fallacies:

(There will be 6 of similar arguments in the Test 2)

Part 3: Solve the following enthymemes by supplying the missing premise or the conclusion (if missing). Do everything as in the previous question. Test argument using traditional method and a Venn diagram. If possible, make sure the result is a valid syllogism. (4 points each, for 8 points)

(First enthymeme is an example of a proper answer. Each argument must be supported with a Venn diagram scanned/photographed and inserted at the end of the document)

Enthymeme 1: Whoever enjoys algebra is sweet, but paperhangers are never sweet. … so

All things enjoying algebra are sweet things All E are S (A)

No paperhangers are sweet things No P are S (E)

No paperhangers are things enjoying algebra No P are E (E)

Validity: Valid

Fallacies: No Fallacies

Enthymeme 2: In wars innocent people can be killed, so we should not participate in wars.

Validity: Valid

Fallacies: No Fallacies

(There will be 6 of similar arguments in the Test 2)