Syllogism, Logic, Emotions

Syllogisms, Logic and Emotions Worksheet

By: Richard Bailey

University of Phoenix

Course: PHL/251

Instructor: Diana Wheatley

University of Phoenix Material

Assignment: Syllogisms & Logic

PART I: Assignment: SYLLOGISMS

To be a valid syllogism, the conclusion must be proven by the reasons. Carefully study the following syllogisms and decide if they are valid or invalid:

1. All zebras are striped animals.

No zebras are polar bears.

Therefore, no polar bears are striped animals.

This is not a valid syllogism because the opening statement only identifies all zebras as striped animals. Just because a polar bear isn’t a striped zebra does not imply that it isn’t a striped animal. Also, other than knowing the true nature of a polar bear, it is not conclusive in the statements provided that a polar bear is even an animal.

2. All clowns are funny individuals.

Some sad people are clowns.

Therefore, some sad people are funny individuals.

This could be considered a true syllogism because it is stated that some clowns comprise some number of sad people, and that all clowns are funny individuals. This would imply that those sad people that are clowns would be considered funny.

3. Some sticky substances are yucky things.

All taffy is a sticky substance.

Therefore, some taffy is a yucky thing.

The syllogism isn’t clear because the opening statement indicates that only some sticky substances are considered to be yucky things. Just because all taffy is a sticky substance does not indicate that it is part of the some that would be considered sticky.

4. All items made of gold are expensive items.

Some rings are items made of gold.

Therefore, some rings are expensive items.

The syllogism would be considered valid here. If all items made of gold are considered to be expensive, then rings made of gold would be on that expensive list.

5. All flies are winged creatures.

All butterflies are winged creatures.

Therefore, all...