Syllogism — Analogy trap: Dogs have four legs. Tables have four legs. Conclusions: I) Tables are dogs. II) Dogs are tables. Determine which, if any, follow logically.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Neither I nor II follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests understanding of the fallacy of affirming the consequent / property-sharing. Two categories share a common attribute (four legs), but that alone does not license identity or inclusion conclusions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Dogs have four legs.
  • Tables have four legs.
  • No premise states any inclusion or equivalence between Dogs and Tables.


Concept / Approach:
Having a common property does not imply class identity. Sets can overlap, be disjoint, or relate in many ways despite sharing attributes. Syllogistic conclusions require explicit subset/equality statements.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Identify structure: From A has property L and B has property L, one cannot infer A = B nor A ⊆ B nor B ⊆ A.Step 2: Since no categorical link exists between Dogs and Tables, neither conclusion is forced.


Verification / Alternative check:
Counterexample: there exist tables without any relation to dogs besides leg count; likewise dogs are living beings, not furniture. Premises are satisfied; conclusions fail.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options A, B: assert unjustified identity/inclusion. Option C: suggests one of them must hold, which is false.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing shared attributes with class equivalence; ignoring the need for subset/equality premises.


Final Answer:
Neither I nor II follows.

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