Assertion and reason

Exercise and reference answers

Questions

1. Reason

   Its job is to link the other two terms, and it is discharged once they meet.

   Verdict

   Both are true; the reason explains the assertion.

   Assertion

   The middle term never appears in the conclusion.

2. Reason

   If the middle covers only part of its class, the two premises may speak of different parts.

   Verdict

   Both are true; the reason explains the assertion.

   Assertion

   An undistributed middle makes a syllogism invalid.

3. Reason

   Particular propositions do not distribute their subject.

   Verdict

   The assertion is false and the reason is true.

   Assertion

   Two particular premises can yield a valid conclusion.

Explanation