Categorical Syllogism

Definitions Truth – actual state of matter – applied to premise (if one premise is false, the conclusion is false.) Validity – correct form – containing premises from which the conclusion may logically be derived. Soundness – Argument/theory is valid – All of its premises are true Example: All men are mortal Socrates is a … Continue reading →

Hal Jordan Hates Lemonade

Hal Jordan cannot use his ring on anything coloured yellow. Some standard tennis balls are yellow. Hal Jordan cannot use his ring on some standard tennis balls. In this syllogism, the pattern of A(Hal Jordan’s ring) cannot be(used on) B(anything yellow) Some C(standard tennis balls) are B(yellow) A(Hal Jordan’s ring)  cannot be (used on) C( … Continue reading →

After Some Revisions… – Kelly

I awoke this morning to an extraordinarily kind comment from Mr. Stephen Downes, who tore my blog post to shreds.  Well, that is slightly dramatic.  He opened my eyes to just how little I actually knew about how to properly write fallacy and syllogism.  So, after some reiteration, explanation, and revision, here is a (hopefully) … Continue reading →

Bedtime Syllogism

All beds are for people to sleep on. A riverbed is a bed. Therefore a riverbed is for people to sleep on. The conclusion of this syllogism is valid, as it follows the presented premises. However, this argument is not true, due to the untrue premises. As a result, this argument is not sound. A: … Continue reading →

Math Class Logic – Emily

There is a meme that I’m sure many of you have heard about: Let us create a syllogism: Emily is a strong, independent black woman who don’t need no man. Premise 1: A strong, independent black woman don’t need no man. Premise 2: Emily is a strong, independent black woman. Conclusion: Therefore, Emily don`t need no man. Let … Continue reading →

Categorical Syllogism

Categorical Syllogism —————————————————————— Birds can fly. Penguins are Birds. Therefore, Penguins can Fly. —————————————————————— Categorical Syllogism ~ Terms: Birds are the middle term, flying is the predicate term, and penguins are the subject term of the statement. Examination: The truth in this statement is that birds can fly and that penguins are in fact birds. Its … Continue reading →

Gifted Individuals Proved “Ungeniuses”

All gifted individuals are geniuses. Stephanie is a gifted individual. Therefore, Stephanie is a genius. Though this syllogism is valid, it is not sound as the information was based upon subjective opinions.  This statement is valid because it follows a correct form in which it includes a middle term “A” (all the gifted individuals), a … Continue reading →

Jonathan Toews, a Famous Hockey Player

Someone named Jonathan Toews is a famous hockey player I am someone named Jonathan Toews Therefore, I am a famous hockey player   This syllogism is both categorically invalid as well as not sound. Even though both premises are true, the two premises are particular propositions and do not relate to each other in a … Continue reading →