Syllogism — Evaluate conclusions from the statements: Statements: Some peons are poor. X is poor. Conclusions: I) X is a peon. II) X has a large family. Decide which conclusion(s), if any, logically follow(s) from the given statements.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Neither I nor II follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In categorical syllogisms, we examine whether a conclusion must be true given the premises. The premises here are: (1) Some peons are poor, and (2) X is poor. We test whether the conclusions about X's being a peon or having a large family necessarily follow.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Premise 1: Some peons are poor (at least one individual is both peon and poor).
  • Premise 2: X is poor (membership only in the set 'poor' is known for X).
  • No information is provided about X's family size.


Concept / Approach:
Translate to sets: P = peons, R = poor. Premise 1 says P ∩ R is non-empty. Premise 2 says X ∈ R. A conclusion about X ∈ P would require that all poor are peons (R ⊆ P) or at least that this particular X is identified within P ∩ R, which is not given. Family-size claims are extraneous to premises.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: From 'Some peons are poor' infer existence of at least one member in P ∩ R.Step 2: From 'X is poor' infer only X ∈ R.Step 3: There is no rule binding all poor to be peons, so X ∈ P cannot be forced.Step 4: No premise mentions family size, so nothing can be concluded about X's family.


Verification / Alternative check:
If we construct a model where some peons are poor and there are other poor people who are not peons, X could be one of those non-peon poor. Thus I need not hold. Family size data is absent, so II cannot hold.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I follows: invalid; X need not be a peon.
  • Only II follows: invalid; no family information.
  • Both follow: invalid for reasons above.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing 'some' with 'all' and assuming properties about X just because X shares a broad set label. Also, adding facts (like family size) not present in premises.


Final Answer:
Neither I nor II follows.

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