Syllogism – Cascaded universals with existence caution: Statements: All pots are rings. All bangles are rings. All rings are paints. Conclusions: I) Some paints are pots. II) Some bangles are paints. Identify the conclusions that necessarily follow.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Neither Conclusion I nor II follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item checks whether you draw “some” conclusions from purely universal premises without an existence claim.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Pots ⊆ Rings ⊆ Paints.
  • Bangles ⊆ Rings ⊆ Paints.
  • No “some” premise asserting that pots or bangles actually exist.


Concept / Approach:
A universal such as “All A are B” does not guarantee that A exists. Therefore we cannot assert “Some B are A” unless existence is independently supplied.



Step-by-Step Solution:
C1: “Some paints are pots.” This fails in a model where there are no pots.C2: “Some bangles are paints.” This fails in a model where there are no bangles.Since both conclusions can be false while all premises remain true, neither conclusion necessarily follows.



Verification / Alternative check:
Empty-set countermodels: Let Pots = ∅ and Bangles = ∅, Rings = Paints = any set. All universals hold; both “some” conclusions fail.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any option claiming I, II, or both follow ignores the need for existential import.



Common Pitfalls:
Illicit conversion of universals into particulars (assuming existence without a “some” premise).



Final Answer:
Neither Conclusion I nor II follows.

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