For each of the following arguments, you should (1) reconstruct it as a standard

Question

For each of the following arguments, you should (1) reconstruct it as a standard form categorical syllogism, (2) clearly identify the three terms, (3) provide the mood and figure, (4) indicate which version of the Rules method you are using (New or Old), (5) indicate how the argument fares with regards to each rule, and (6) indicate validity.

a)All inventors are people who see new patterns in familiar things, so all inventors are eccentrics, because all eccentrics are people who see new patterns in familiar things.

b)Some foods that contain iron are toxic substances, for all fish containing mercury are foods that contain iron, and all fish containing mercury are toxic substances.

c)No writers of lewd and sensational articles are honest and decent citizens, but some journalists are not writers of lewd and sensational articles; consequently, some journalists are honest and decent citizens.

Explanation / Answer

Standard form: All I are P. All E are P. Therefore, all I are E.

Three terms: Major premise - Inventors, Minor premise - Eccentrics and Middle term - People who see new patterns in familiar things.

Mood and figure: AAA -1.

Rule: We can use Rule 2 of the new method. If a term is distributed in the conclusion, then it must be distributed in a premise. When a term is distributed in the conclusion, let’s say that P is distributed, then that term is saying something about every member of the P class. If that same term is NOT distributed in the major premise, then the major premise is saying something about only some members of the P class. Remember that the minor premise says nothing about the P class. Therefore, the conclusion contains information that is not contained in the premises, making the argument invalid.

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of a question.

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