More Questions from Syllogism

Syllogism — Premises: (a) All pens are papers. (b) No eraser is a paper. Conclusions: I) No eraser is a pen. II) Some papers are pens.

Verbal Reasoning Syllogism Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Both Conclusions I and II follow.
  • B
    Only Conclusion I follows.
  • C
    Only Conclusion II follows.
  • D
    Neither Conclusion I nor II follows.
  • E
    None of these

Answer

Correct Answer: Both Conclusions I and II follow.

Explanation

Introduction / Context:We combine a universal inclusion with a universal exclusion and test both a universal negative and an existential conclusion.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Pens ⊆ Papers.
  • Erasers ∩ Papers = ∅.
  • Assume at least one pen exists (ordinary context) for the existential statement.

Concept / Approach:If Erasers are disjoint from Papers and Pens are within Papers, then Erasers and Pens are disjoint (I). Also, if any pen exists, it is a paper, so at least some papers are pens (II).

Step-by-Step Solution:

I) Since Pens ⊆ Papers and Erasers ∩ Papers = ∅, it follows Erasers ∩ Pens = ∅ — no eraser is a pen.II) Pick any pen; it belongs to Papers, so 'Some papers are pens' holds.

Verification / Alternative check:Venn diagrams depict Pens inside Papers and Erasers disjoint from Papers; both conclusions are immediate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Options denying either I or II contradict the straightforward set relations.

Common Pitfalls:Overlooking that an existential like 'some papers are pens' is justified by non-emptiness of Pens in typical exam logic.

Final Answer:Both Conclusions I and II follow.

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