Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Only II follows
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The trap here is drawing an existential conclusion from a universal statement. We carefully separate what is guaranteed from what is merely possible.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A particular premise (“some”) certifies existence; a universal premise (“all”) does not by itself yield a “some” conclusion unless the subject class is known to be non-empty.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Conclusion II: “Some pens are papers.” This follows directly from premise (i); the very elements witnessing (i) ensure Pens∩Papers is non-empty.Conclusion I: “Some pens are pencils.” From “All pencils are pens” we cannot assert that pencils exist. Without existential import, this conclusion is not necessary.
Verification / Alternative check:
Countermodel for I: Imagine there are no pencils at all. Premises remain true, but “Some pens are pencils” becomes false. Hence I does not necessarily follow.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that “All A are B” implies “Some B are A” without separately establishing that A exists.
Final Answer:
Only II follows.
Discussion & Comments