PHL 111 Module Eight Study Guide: Deductive Arguments
Course: Introduction to Critical Thinking
1. Is the following a syllogism? “All fruits have seeds. A carrot has seeds. Therefore, a
carrot is a fruit.”
a. Yes
b. No
Answer: Yes
2. In a modus tollens argument, what is the function of the second premise?
a. Deny the antecedent
b. Affirm the antecedent
c. Deny the consequent
d. Affirm the consequent
Answer: C- Deny the consequent
3. Translate this claim into standard form: “Only mammals can be dogs.”
a. All dogs are mammals
b. All mammals are dogs
Answer: All dogs are mammals
4. What are the characteristics of a syllogism?
a. Two premises and a conclusion
b. Two conclusions and a premise
c. Two or more premises and a conclusion
d. A premise, subconclusion, and conclusion
Answer: A- Two premises and a conclusion
5. In a modus _____ argument, the second premise denies the consequent.
Answer: Tollens
6. Which of the following parts of an argument must one analyze to identify the subject
and predicate terms of a categorical syllogism?
a. The counterclaim
b. The conclusion
c. The second premise
d. The first premise
Answer: B- The conclusion
7. Translate the following claim into standard form: “Men are the only members of the
fraternity Phi Delta Phi.”
a. All members of Phi Delta are men
b. Some men are not members of Phi Delta Phi
c. All men are members of Phi Delta Phi
Answer: A- All members of Phi Delta are men
