Logical reasoning — “Most” versus “All” (choose the statement that must be true) Facts: Most stuffed toys are stuffed with beans. There are stuffed bears and there are stuffed tigers. Some chairs are stuffed with beans. Which statements must also be facts? I: Only children's chairs are stuffed with beans. II: All stuffed tigers are stuffed with beans. III: Stuffed monkeys are not stuffed with beans.

Logical Reasoning Logical Problems Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    I only
  • B
    II only
  • C
    II and III only
  • D
    None of the statements is a known fact.
  • E
    I and III only

Answer

Correct Answer: None of the statements is a known fact.

Explanation

Introduction / Context:This question probes understanding of quantifiers like “most,” the difference between existence and universality, and the danger of assuming properties for specific subtypes without evidence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • “Most stuffed toys … beans” means more than half of stuffed toys have bean filling; not all.
  • We know stuffed bears and stuffed tigers exist.
  • Some chairs (unspecified type) are stuffed with beans.

Concept / Approach:We cannot jump from “most toys have beans” to “all stuffed tigers have beans.” Nor can we restrict bean-stuffed chairs to children's chairs without evidence. Claims about stuffed monkeys are unsupported.

Step-by-Step Solution:

I: “Only children's chairs are stuffed with beans.” The facts say “some chairs,” not “only children's chairs.” Not guaranteed.II: “All stuffed tigers are stuffed with beans.” “Most stuffed toys” allows exceptions; stuffed tigers might be among the exceptions. Not guaranteed.III: “Stuffed monkeys are not stuffed with beans.” We are told nothing about stuffed monkeys. Not guaranteed.

Verification / Alternative check:Construct two worlds: (A) All tigers have beans; (B) No tigers have beans. Both are compatible with “most toys have beans” as long as most toys overall do. Hence II is not a must. Similar reasoning dismisses I and III.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • I only / II only / II and III only / I and III only: Each relies on information not given or overgeneralizes “most” to “all.”

Common Pitfalls:Confusing “most” with “all,” and importing assumptions about specific subtypes without textual support.

Final Answer:None of the statements is a known fact.

Discussion & Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion