10 Questions
Which of the following statements correctly represents the modus ponens argument form?
If P, then Q. Q. Therefore, P.
Which of the following represents the fallacy of affirming the consequent?
If P, then Q. Q. Therefore, P.
Which of the following represents the modus tollens argument form?
If P, then Q. Not Q. Therefore, not P.
Which of the following represents a false hypothetical syllogism?
If P, then Q. If Q, then R. P. Therefore, R.
Which of the following represents the fallacy of denying or negating the antecedent?
If P, then Q. Not P. Therefore, not Q.
Which of the following correctly represents the disjunctive syllogism argument form?
P or Q. Not P. Therefore, Q.
Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between deduction and induction?
All of the above.
Which of the following statements accurately represents the difference between particular and general statements?
Particular statements have a specific, countable, and finite reference class, while general statements have a non-specific, non-countable, and infinite reference class.
Which of the following correctly represents a valid syllogistic argument form?
All of the above.
Which of the following statements accurately describes a syllogism?
A syllogism is a form of deductive argument with two premises and one conclusion.
Study Notes
Valid Forms of Deductive Arguments
- All valid forms of deductive arguments are syllogisms.
- A note on interpreting negation: if the original statement is a negation, its negation will be positive, and vice versa.
Types of Valid Deductive Forms
- Modus Ponens (affirming the antecedent): All mangoes are fruits; This thing is a mango; So it is a fruit.
- Modus Tollens (negating the consequent): All mangoes are fruits; This thing is not a fruit; So, this thing is not a mango.
- Hypothetical Syllogism: All mangoes are fruits; All fruits are edible; So, all mangoes are edible.
- Disjunctive Syllogism: You either save at Barclays or Stanchart; You do not save at Barclays; Therefore, you save at Stanchart.
Formal/Syllogistic Fallacies
- The fallacy of affirming the consequent: affirming the consequent instead of the antecedent.
- The fallacy of denying the antecedent: negating the antecedent instead of the consequent.
- False Hypothetical Syllogism: if two different antecedents share a common consequent, it does not mean the two antecedents are the same or identical.
Comparing Valid and Invalid Forms
- Comparing valid and invalid forms: Modus Ponens vs. affirming the consequent, Modus Tollens vs. denying the antecedent, and Hypothetical Syllogism vs. False Hypothetical Syllogism.
Validity and Soundness of a Deductive Argument
- Validity vs. soundness of a deductive argument: valid deductive arguments with true premises are sound.
Contrasting Deduction and Induction
- Deduction moves from general premises to particular conclusions, while induction moves from particular to general.
- Deduction is topic-neutral, while induction depends on subject matter.
- Deduction is about form/pattern/structure, while induction is about content.
Understanding Particular vs General Statements
- Every statement has two parts: the reference class and the attribute class.
- Particular statements have a specific, countable, and finite reference class (e.g., "That man is a bully").
- General statements have a non-specific, non-countable, and infinite reference class (e.g., "Men are bullies").
Explore the concept of syllogisms and how to interpret negations in logical statements. Learn how to determine the positive or negative form of a statement based on its original negation. Enhance your skills in affirming and denying antecedent and consequent.
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