Categorical Syllogism Exercises

Note: Answers will be provided upon request.

Practice Test I

From the list of possible conclusions provided, pick the one the makes the syllogism valid. Write only the letter on the space provided before each number.

_____ 1. All public properties are for common use. Some roads are public properties.

a. Ergo, all roads are for common use.
b. Ergo, some roads are for common use.
c. Ergo, some roads are not for common use.
d. Ergo, no roads are for common use.

_____2. No plunderers are dignified persons. Some politicians are plunderers.

a. Ergo, some dignified persons are not politicians.
b. Ergo, some politicians are dignified persons.
c. Ergo, some politicians are not dignified persons.
d. Ergo, some dignified persons are politicians.

_____3. No bird is a fish. Some fish are sharks.

a. Ergo, some sharks are not birds
b. Ergo, some birds are not sharks.
c. Ergo, some sharks are birds.
d. Ergo, some birds are sharks.

_____4. All government officials are worthy of respect. However, some policemen are government officials.

a. Ergo, some policemen are not worthy of respect.
b. Ergo, every policeman is worthy of respect.
c. Ergo, some policemen are worthy of respect.
d. Ergo, any policeman is not worthy of respect.

_____5. Every Russian born during the Cold War is a communist. Maria Sharapova is a Russian born during the Cold War.

a. Ergo, Maria Sharapova is a devout communist.
b. Ergo, Maria Sharapova is non-communist.
c. Ergo, Maria Sharapova is not a communist.
d. Ergo, Maria Sharapova is a communist.

Practice Test II

Items 6-10 are all invalid syllogisms. Determine which syllogistic rule or rules are violated. Write only the letter on the space provided before each number.

_____6. Some judges are biased. But no Comelec officials are biased. Therefore, no Comelec officials are judges.

a) #2, #7, and #8
b) #3
c) #2 and #8
d) #3 and #8

_____7. All lifeguards are life-savers. But all lifeguards are good swimmers. Therefore, all good swimmers are life-savers.

a) #2 and #3
b) #2
c) #3
d) #2 and #8

_____8. Some war veterans are heroes. But some heroes are traitors. Therefore, no traitors are war veterans.

a) #2, #3, #4, #7, and #8
b) #2, #3, #4, and #8
c) #2, #3, #4, and #7
d) #2, #3, #5, #7, and #8

_____9. Some comedians are amusing. But no serious persons are comedians. Therefore, no serious persons are amusing.

a) #2 and #3
b) #3 and #8
c) #2 and #5
d) #2 and #8

_____10. All sacrifices are rewarding. But some acts of cheating are rewarding. Therefore, all acts of cheating are sacrifices.

a) #2, #3, #4, and #8
b) #2, #3, and #8
c) #2, #3, #4, #7, and #8
d) #2, #3, #4 and #8

Note: Please email  learnphilosophy@philonotes.com for the answers.

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