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Question

Difficulty: EasySyllogism and Categorical Propositions

Given the following two statements:
1. All scientists are researchers.
2. All researchers are observant individuals.

Which of the following conclusions logically follow from the given statements? Select all correct options.

  1. All scientists are observant individuals.Answer
  2. B
    All observant individuals are scientists.
  3. Some researchers are scientists.Answer
  4. D
    No scientist is an observant individual.

Answer

The correct conclusions are that all scientists are observant individuals, and that some researchers are scientists.
The conclusion stating that all scientists are observant individuals follows directly by transitive deduction from the universal affirmative premises. Furthermore, the conclusion stating that some researchers are scientists is a valid conversion by limitation of the premise that all scientists are researchers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relation between Scientists and Observant individuals using transitivity.
Since 'All Scientists →\rightarrow Researchers' and 'All Researchers →\rightarrow Observant individuals', we get 'All Scientists →\rightarrow Observant individuals'.
Universal affirmative premises combine transitively (Barbara syllogism).
2
Evaluate the conversion of Statement 1 ('All scientists are researchers').
The valid conversion of 'All A are B' is 'Some B are A'. Thus, 'Some researchers are scientists' is valid.
A universal affirmative proposition converts by limitation into a particular affirmative proposition.
3
Test the remaining conclusions for fallacy or contradiction.
Claiming 'All observant individuals are scientists' commits the fallacy of illicit conversion, while claiming 'No scientist is an observant individual' contradicts Step 1.
Invalid conversion rules and direct logical contradictions produce false conclusions.

Key Concept

Categorical Syllogism and Propositional Conversion
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Syllogism and Categorical Propositions

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