Syllogism – Determine which conclusions necessarily follow: Statements: (I) All cities are towns. (II) Some cities are villages. Conclusions: (I) All villages are towns. (II) No village is a town. (III) Some villages are towns.
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AOnly conclusion (III) follows
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BOnly conclusion (I) follows
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COnly conclusion (II) follows
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DNone of these
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EBoth (I) and (III) follow
Answer
Correct Answer: Only conclusion (III) follows
Explanation
Introduction / Context:We must test which conclusion(s) are forced by the premises, true in every model that satisfies them. Universals give subset relations; particulars give existence.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- All Cities are Towns (C ⊆ T).
- Some Cities are Villages (∃ C ∩ V).
Concept / Approach:If C ⊆ T and some C are V, then those particular C that are V are also in T. Therefore there exists at least one V that is a T, which is exactly conclusion (III). Conclusions (I) and (II) are universal negatives/positives and are far too strong.
Step-by-Step Solution:Take x ∈ C ∩ V (exists by statement II).Since C ⊆ T, x ∈ T as well.Therefore x ∈ V ∩ T, proving ∃ V ∩ T, i.e., “Some villages are towns.”
Verification / Alternative check:Build a diagram with C entirely inside T, and let C overlap V in a small region. That overlap sits inside T, so at least one Village is a Town, but not necessarily all Villages are Towns, nor necessarily none.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- (I) “All villages are towns” is not forced; V can extend outside T.
- (II) “No village is a town” contradicts the demonstrable overlap.
- “None of these” fails because (III) does follow.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing “some” with “all,” or assuming disjointness without evidence.
Final Answer:Only conclusion (III) follows.