Syllogism – Particular and universal statements together Statements: 1) Some papers are cats. 2) All cats are bats. 3) No bat is a horse. Conclusions: I) Some papers are horses. II) No horse is a cat. III) Some bats are papers. IV) All papers are bats.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only II and III follow

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a classic chain with one particular premise. By following the chain carefully, you can see which subsets must overlap and which cannot.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • P ∩ C ≠ ∅ (some papers are cats)
  • C ⊆ B (all cats are bats)
  • B ∩ H = ∅ (no bat is a horse)


Concept / Approach:
Combine the particular statement with the subset inclusion: the particular papers that are cats must also be bats. With the universal negative regarding horses, you can infer impossibilities and necessary inclusions.



Step-by-Step Solution:

III: Some bats are papers. The papers that are cats are also bats, so at least one bat is a paper. Hence III follows.II: No horse is a cat. Since all cats are bats and no bat is a horse, cats and horses are disjoint. Therefore II follows.I: Some papers are horses. Not supported. The particular papers known to us (those which are cats) cannot be horses, and we do not know anything about other papers being horses.IV: All papers are bats. Overgeneralization. Only the papers that are cats must be bats; other papers need not be.


Verification / Alternative check:

Draw a Venn sketch: place a non-empty overlap of papers and cats within bats; keep horses disjoint from bats. Then II and III hold, I and IV do not.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A and D include I, which does not follow. C includes IV, which overstates the relationship. E claims all, which is incorrect.


Common Pitfalls:

Assuming that a property of some papers extends to all papers; ignoring that a universal negative about bats and horses blocks any cat–horse overlap.


Final Answer:
Only II and III follow

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