Question

What type of syllogism is the following: If I take swimming lessons, then I can swim. I took swimming lessons. Therefore, I can swim

a) categorical
b) modus tollens
c) modus ponens
d) it is an invalid syllogism

Answer 1

The syllogism provided is an example of modus ponens, which is a valid form of deductive reasoning where the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of syllogism in the provided statement is modus ponens. Modus ponens is a valid deductive argument form that can be summarized as follows:

1. If X, then Y (conditional statement).
2. X (affirmation of the antecedent).
3. Therefore, Y (conclusion that the consequent is true).

In this specific case:

1. If I take swimming lessons, then I can swim (conditional statement).
2. I took swimming lessons (X is affirmed).
3. Therefore, I can swim (It follows that Y is true).

This sequence shows the argument is a textbook example of modus ponens, where the first premise provides a conditional, the second premise confirms the antecedent, and the conclusion validates the consequent.