Syllogism — Women, cats, and rats (subset chaining): Statements: • All women are cats. • All cats are rats. Conclusions: I. All women are rats. II. All rats are women.
Verbal Reasoning
Syllogism
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
ANeither conclusion I nor II follows
-
BOnly conclusion I follows
-
COnly conclusion II follows
-
DBoth conclusions I and II follow
-
ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: Only conclusion I follows
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Another transitivity check with attention to the direction of inclusion.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Woman ⊆ Cat.
- Cat ⊆ Rat.
Concept / Approach:Chain inclusions to get Woman ⊆ Rat (I true). II reverses inclusion and is not warranted.
Step-by-Step:1) Woman ⊆ Cat and Cat ⊆ Rat.2) Hence Woman ⊆ Rat (I follows).3) “All rats are women” would require Rat ⊆ Woman, which is not implied.
Verification:Consider many rats that are not cats; premises do not forbid them.
Final Answer:Only conclusion I follows.