Syllogism — Oceans, Rivers, Springs, Wells Statements: • All oceans are rivers. • Some springs are rivers. • All wells are springs. Conclusions: I. Some springs are oceans. II. Some wells are rivers. III. Some rivers are oceans. IV. No well is river.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: None follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item mixes one universal inclusion and two “some/all” relations. The challenge is to avoid inferring intersections that are not guaranteed and to recognize where existential assumptions are missing.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Oceans ⊆ Rivers.
  • Some Springs ⊆ Rivers (there exists at least one spring that is a river).
  • Wells ⊆ Springs.


Concept / Approach:
Particular conclusions (“some …”) require a verified overlapping element. From “Some springs are rivers,” we cannot infer anything about wells unless we know some wells are among those specific springs. Also, from “All oceans are rivers,” we cannot conclude “Some rivers are oceans” unless the existence of oceans is established.



Step-by-Step Solution:

I. “Some springs are oceans” — no link forces springs to overlap oceans.II. “Some wells are rivers” — although wells ⊆ springs, we only know that some (unspecified) springs are rivers. Those may or may not be wells. Not forced.III. “Some rivers are oceans” — needs existence of oceans; not provided by the premises.IV. “No well is river” — not supported; the premises allow the possibility that some wells are rivers, but do not force it either.


Verification / Alternative check:
Create a model: Let there be some rivers that are springs but no wells among them, and let there be no oceans (empty class). All premises remain true; I–IV are all false or not forced, proving none must follow.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Any option asserting an “either … or …” necessity assumes forced overlap that does not exist.
  • “All follow” is clearly too strong.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming existential import for universals; treating “some springs are rivers” as if it said “all springs are rivers.”



Final Answer:
None follows

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