Categorical Logic - Diagramming

Linguistics 21, Sections 1, 2, 6

Spring 2013

Problem Set 4:  Diagramming

Diagram the following argument using the method presented in Chapter 7. You may work with a partner. This problem set is due on Wednesday, April 24, so take your time and do a good job!!! ( .3 points each; 4.5 points total).

1. ① Emily deserves to be promoted to project manager, because ② she's the most qualified candidate and ③ the CEO promised her the job.

2. ① If we're in Milwaukee, then we're in Wisconsin. Hence, ② since we're not in Wisconsin, ③ we're not in Milwaukee.

3. ① Either this is a Celica or it's an Accord. ② It's a Celica only if it's a Toyota. But ③ it's not a Toyota. Hence, ④ it's not a Celica. Hence, ⑤ it's an Accord.

4. ① Practices that inflict suffering on sentient beings without good reason are morally wrong. ② For humans to kill and eat sentient animals inflicts suffering on them without good reason. Therefore, ③ it is wrong for humans to kill and eat sentient animals. Moreover, ④ a vegetarian diet is healthier than a meat-based diet. For these reasons, ⑤ people should become vegetarians.

5. ① Parker is either at the library or he's at Mel’s Bar. But ② Parker never reads anything but comic books. Therefore, ③ he's probably not at the library. Moreover ④ today is Saturday, and ⑤ Parker goes to Mel’s Bar almost every Saturday. Therefore, ⑥ Parker is probably at Mel’s Bar.

6. ① This car looks exactly like my car, but is it? ② If this is my car, there should be a pair of fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror, and ③ there aren't any. Moreover, ④ if this is my car, my key should fit it in the lock, and ⑤ it doesn't. So, ⑥ this isn't my car.

7. ① If the weather is nice, the reception will be outdoors. ② If it rains, the reception will be in the ballroom. ③ If the reception is outdoors, I'll need to bring the paper plates. ④ If the reception is in the ballroom, I'll need to bring the china. But ⑤ it looks like the weather will be nice. ⑥ The National Weather Service says it will be warm and sunny. So, ⑦ the reception will most likely be outdoors. Therefore, ⑧ I will need to bring the paper plates.

8. ① Quality family planning and reproductive health services, mother and child health, women's rights, and women's education—this four-point program is the best way to achieve a rapid slowdown in population growth. ② It can improve the quality of life directly, through health and education benefits, and ③ it improves the status of women. ④ It creates a healthy and educated work force. ⑤ It gives people the knowledge with which they can fight for their own rights. ⑥ It might also help to raise incomes, and ⑦ it will certainly help to slow environmental damage.