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Argument Construction #2: Categorical Syllogisms

Assignment

For this argument construction assignment, you will use your knowledge of categorical logic.  It is extremely important that you read the instructions for each individual problem very, very carefully and that you do exactly what you are asked to do.  It is also extremely important that you show your work for each step of each problem.  

IMPORTANT: YOU SHOULD ASSUME THE ARISTOTELIAN STANDPOINT AND USE THE TRADITIONAL SQUARE OF OPPOSITION FOR EACH PROBLEM.

ALSO IMPORTANT: You may type your responses to each question using the electronic version of this form or you may handwrite your responses on this form.  If you handwrite, print legibly. 

Argument #1

1. Construct a SOUND standard-form, ordinary-language (this means you use real words like the ones you’re reading now) categorical syllogism that provides an argument in response to the following question: Is spanking an effective form of discipline for children? (IMPORTANT: Your conclusion should DIRECTLY answer the question posed.)

2. Symbolize the argument you created by reducing the categories to terms (be sure to indicate which letters symbolize which categories).

3. What is the form (mood + figure) of the argument you constructed?

4. Prove the argument valid by illustrating it with a Venn diagram.  Be sure to label the circles of your diagram in the manner described by Hurley.

5. Justify the soundness of the categorical syllogism by explaining why you believe the premises are BOTH true. (this means that you explain why you think the premises of your syllogism are

TRUE

statements;

DO NOT

explain why the argument is valid or why the conclusion is true. Explain why you believe the premise is a true statement.)

6. To which premise(s) of the argument is someone most likely to object, and what are likely to be the objections to this premise(s)? In other words, which premise(s) do you think someone could legitimately claim is false?

Argument #2

1. Construct a SOUND, standard-form, ordinary language categorical syllogism that provides an argument in response to the following question: What is good (pick one) beer, beach, restaurant, bookstore, clothing store, hike, park, surf spot, mountain bike trail, movie, sledding spot) in Humboldt County?

2. Symbolize the argument you created by reducing the categories to terms (be sure to indicate which letters symbolize which categories).

3. What is the form (mood + figure) of the argument you constructed?

4. Prove the argument valid by illustrating it with a Venn diagram. Be sure to label the circles of your diagram in the manner described by Hurley.

5. Justify the soundness of the categorical syllogism by explaining why you believe the premises are BOTH true. (this means that you explain why you think the premises of your syllogism are

TRUE

statements;

DO NOT

explain why the argument is valid or why the conclusion is true. Explain why you believe the premise is a true statement.)

 
6. To which premise(s) of the argument is someone most likely to object, and what are likely to be the objections to this premise(s)? In other words, which premise(s) do you think someone could legitimately claim is false?

Argument #3

1. Construct a SOUND, standard-form ordinary-language categorical syllogism that provides an argument in response to the following question: Can pets be family members with humans?

2. Symbolize the argument you created by reducing the categories to terms (be sure to indicate which letters symbolize which categories).

3. What is the form of the argument you constructed?

4. Prove the argument valid by illustrating it with a Venn diagram. Be sure to label the circles of your diagram in the manner described by Hurley.

5. Justify the soundness of the categorical syllogism by explaining why you believe the premises are BOTH true. (this means that you explain why you think the premises of your syllogism are

TRUE

statements;

DO NOT

explain why the argument is valid or why the conclusion is true. Explain why you believe the premise is a true statement.)

 
6. To which premise(s) of the argument is someone most likely to object, and what are likely to be the objections to this premise(s)? In other words, which premise(s) do you think someone could legitimately claim is false?

Argument #4

1. Construct a SOUND standard-form, ordinary-language categorical syllogism that provides an argument in response to ONE of the following questions: 
Can computers think?
Do humans have souls?
Is non-reproductive incest between consenting adults wrong?
Is war ever morally justifiable?
Is Justin Beiber’s (or any other pop artist’s) latest song a “work of art?”
 Do bans on assault rifles make citizens safer?

2. Symbolize the argument you created by reducing the categories to terms (be sure to indicate which letters symbolize which categories).

3. What is the form (mood + figure) of the argument you constructed?

4. Prove the argument valid by illustrating it with a Venn diagram. Be sure to label the circles of your diagram in the manner described by Hurley.

5. Justify the soundness of the categorical syllogism by explaining why you believe the premises are BOTH true. (this means that you explain why you think the premises of your syllogism are

TRUE

statements;

DO NOT

explain why the argument is valid or why the conclusion is true. Explain why you believe the premise is a true statement.)

 
6. To which premise(s) of the argument is someone most likely to object, and what are likely to be the objections to this premise(s)? In other words, which premise(s) do you think someone could legitimately claim is false?