Question

Determine whether statement (3) follows from statements (1) and (2) by the Law of Detachment or the Law of Syllogism. If it does, state which law was used. If it does not, write invalid.(1) If you use a pencil you can erase mistakes. (2) If you can erase mistakes your paper will be neater. (3) If you use a pencil your paper will be neater. Question

Answer 1

Law of Syllogism

Explanation:

Remember, the Law of Syllogism simply states that if two statements are true, then a third statement that is true can be derived from it. In other words,

(1) If action p results in q , and

(2) If action q results in r.

Then we can derive a third true statement: that says,

(3) If action p then r.

So in summary,

(1) If you use a pencil (action p), you can erase mistakes (results in q).

(2) If you can erase mistakes (q) your paper will be neater (r).

(3) If you use a pencil (if p) your paper will be neater (then r).

This rightly fits into the law of syllogism.