Logical reasoning — Islands and volcanoes (choose the statement that must be true) Facts: Islands are surrounded by water. Maui is an island. Maui was formed by a volcano. Which statement must also be a fact?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: I only

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a straightforward application of categorical logic. From a universal statement about islands and a specific statement identifying Maui as an island, we can infer a specific property about Maui. We must resist adding universal claims about volcanoes that are not provided.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • All islands are surrounded by water.
  • Maui belongs to the set of islands.
  • Maui's geological origin involves a volcano, but nothing is said about other islands or all volcanoes.


Concept / Approach:
Apply universal instantiation: if all elements of a set have property P, and X is a member of that set, then X has property P. Do not generalize from a single example (Maui) to all islands or all volcanoes.



Step-by-Step Solution:

From 1) and 2): Since Maui is an island and every island is surrounded by water, conclude that Maui is surrounded by water.Statement II (“All islands are formed by volcanoes”) is not implied by Maui's formation.Statement III (“All volcanoes are on islands”) is also not implied; many volcanoes exist on continents.


Verification / Alternative check:
Generic logic pattern: All A are B; X is A; therefore X is B. This matches 1) and 2). Statements II and III attempt unjustified universal generalizations.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • II only / II and III only: Overgeneralize beyond the data.
  • None of the statements is a known fact.: Incorrect because statement I is certain.
  • I and II only: Includes an unjustified generalization (II).


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing an example (“Maui was formed by a volcano”) with a universal law applying to all islands or all volcanoes.



Final Answer:
I only

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