Suppose that in the Venn diagram of the premises of a categorical syllogism, there is an X on the line between areas 2 and 3.But in the diagram of the conclusion, the X is on the line between areas 2 and 5.Is the syllogism valid?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The placement of the Xs in the premises and conclusion do not necessarily determine the validity of a syllogism, but the fact that the X in the conclusion is on the line between areas 2 and 5 means that the conclusion is asserting something beyond what can be inferred from the premises. The premises only establish that something exists in areas 2 and/or 3, but the conclusion asserts that something exists in areas 2 and/or 5, which is not logically necessary. Therefore, the syllogism is invalid. Choice A is incorrect because the requirement for validity is not that the Xs be in precisely the same place, but that the conclusion follow logically from the premises. Choice C is incorrect because the Xs bordering the same area does not in itself guarantee validity. Choices D and E are both incorrect for the reasons stated above.

Suppose That in the Venn Diagram of the Premises of a Categorical