Logical syllogism — determine which conclusions follow beyond doubt. Statements: 1) All the goats are tigers. 2) All the tigers are lions. Conclusions: (1) All the goats are lions. (2) All the lions are goats. (3) Some lions are goats. (4) Some tigers are goats.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only (1), (3) and (4)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a standard three-set syllogism with nested universals. We must derive all conclusions that must be true from the chain goats ⊆ tigers ⊆ lions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • All goats are tigers.
  • All tigers are lions.
  • Non-emptiness of goats for “Some …” conclusions involving existence.


Concept / Approach:
Transitivity: if A ⊆ B and B ⊆ C, then A ⊆ C. From “All A are C” and existence of A, we may also infer “Some C are A” and, since A ⊆ B, “Some B are A”.


Step-by-Step Solution:
(1) All goats are lions — true by transitivity (A ⊆ C). (2) All lions are goats — converse of (1); not supported. (3) Some lions are goats — since goats exist and every goat is a lion, at least some lions are goats. (4) Some tigers are goats — every goat is a tiger; existence of goats guarantees some tigers are goats.


Verification / Alternative check:
Venn diagram with three nested circles immediately shows (1), (3), and (4) as necessary; (2) is not forced and is generally false unless all lions happen to be goats.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any option including (2) assumes an unjustified converse.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing subset relations with equality and overlooking the existence requirement for “Some …” conclusions.


Final Answer:
Only (1), (3) and (4)

More Questions from Syllogism

Discussion & Comments

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