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Getting Deeper into Logic: Categorical Reasoning

Chapter Outline

Following are the main learning objectives from the chapter:

Categorical Statements

(See pgs. 244-249)

In understanding categorical statements, students should . . .

A. recognize that categorical statements make claims about the relationship between two or more classes or categories of things.

1. be familiar with standard-form categorical statements.

a. All S are P.

b. No S are P.

c. Some S are P.

d. Some S are not P.

B. be proficient in the use of Venn diagrams for testing the validity of simple categorical arguments.

Translating into Standard Categorical Form

(See pgs. 250-255)

Students should be able to convert ordinary English sentences into standard categorical form.

A. You should recognize the parts of categorical statements:

1. quantifiers: "all," "no," and "some."

2. subject term: The word or phrase that names a class that serves as the grammatical subject of the statement.

3. predicate term: The word or phrase that names a class that serves as the subject complement of the statement.

4. copula: The linking verb ("are" or "are not") that joins the subject term with the predicate term.

Categorical Syllogisms

(See pgs. 256-266)

You should be proficient in testing categorical syllogisms for validity with the use of Venn diagrams. (see the six step process discussed on p. 266)