Question

Read the following statements and evaluate the conclusions based on traditional syllogistic logic. Consider the statements to be absolutely true, even if they appear contrary to known facts. Determine which conclusion(s) logically follow from the given statements.

Statements:

All metals are elements.

Some elements are gases.

Conclusions:

I. Some metals are gases.

II. All gases being elements is a possibility.

• A. Only Conclusion Il follows
• B. Both I and Il follow
• C. Only Conclusion I follows
• D. Neither I nor Il follows

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only Conclusion Il follows

Let's analyze the statements using traditional syllogistic logic.

Statements:

1. All metals are elements.

   • Metals ⊆ Elements

2. Some elements are gases.

   • At least some elements are gases.

Conclusion I:

Some metals are gases.

• We know all metals are elements.

• We also know some elements are gases.

• But there is no information connecting metals with those gaseous elements.

• The elements that are gases may or may not be metals.

Conclusion I does not follow.

Conclusion II:

All gases being elements is a possibility.

• We know some elements are gases, but nothing says that any gas is not an element.

• Since there is no statement contradicting "All gases are elements," this is a valid possibility.

Conclusion II follows (possibility case).

Answer:

Only Conclusion II follows.