Guidelines for the Categorical Syllogism Portfolio

In this assignment, you will come up with 3 original examples of sound Categorical Syllogisms, to show that you know how to use them correctly.

1. Select three valid Categorical Syllogisms forms that are as different as possible (e.g., not EIO-1, EIO-2, and EIO-3). Each argument must have a different figure. In addition, one argument will have all universal statements, and the other two will include particular statements. Finally, you need to include at least one A, E, I, and O statement among the premises and conclusions in your portfolio.

2. For each of the Categorical syllogisms, state the mood and figure, write out the form of the argument and then replace S, P, and M so that the premises are uncontroversially true. It is easiest to start by generating the conclusion, which determines the subject and the predicate, and then to find a middle term that makes both of the premises true. (The conclusion doesn’t have to be controversial, and the assignment is easier if it isn’t.)

Sample:

(EIO-1)

1. No M are P. 1. No Chevys are Fords.

2. Some S are M. 2. Some cars are Chevys.

3. Therefore, Some S are not P. 3. Therefore, some cars are not Fords.

3. Use Venn diagrams to show that each of the arguments are valid.

4. When you have completed a draft of your portfolio, double check your grammar and spelling, the formatting of the paper, and each item on the checklist below. Then write or type the following signing statement and sign your name: “I have carefully read and followed the guidelines and thoroughly edited my paper for grammar, spelling, and formatting.”

Format: Typed, 12 point type, 1-1.5 inch margins, number and staple pages if more than one page. Include a title and make sure that the parts of the portfolio are neatly arranged.

Checklist

A. Originality – None of the Subjects, Predicates, or Middle Terms should be categories that were used in class or in our textbook, and none of them should be used more than once in your portfolio.

B. Identical Meaning – In each argument, both Subjects, Predicates, and Middle Terms should be identical in meaning.

C. Proper Categorical Statements – Each statement must consist in a Quantifier, Subject, Copula, and Predicate, and should not be more than one sentence long.

D. Number both Premises and the Conclusion – Each premise and conclusion in an argument should be numbered and on a separate line, and the conclusion should start with ‘Therefore …’

E. Validity – All three of the Categorical Syllogisms must be Valid.

F. Diversity – The Mood and Figure of each of the Categorical Syllogisms must be different from the others. (See #1 above.)

G. Legible Diagrams – Make sure the Venn diagrams are neat and are large enough to be easily read.