Topic 8 Reading Exercises from: Copi, Irving M. Introduction to Logic, 14th Edit

Question

Topic 8 Reading Exercises from:

Copi, Irving M. Introduction to Logic, 14th Edition. Routledge.

7.5 INSTRUCTIONS

For each of the following enthymematic arguments:

a. Formulate the plausible premise or conclusion, if any, that is missing but understood.

b. Write the argument in standard form, including the missing premise or conclusion needed to make the completed argument valid—if possible—using parameters if necessary.

c. Name the order of the enthymeme.

d. If the argument is not valid even with the understood premise included, name the fallacy that it commits.

Example Problem

Transgenic animals are manmade and as such are patentable.

—Alan E. Smith, cited in Genetic Engineering
(San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 1990)

Example Solution

a. The premise understood but not stated here is that whatever is manmade is patentable.

b. Standard-form translation:

All manmade things are patentable things.

All transgenic animals are manmade things.

Therefore, all transgenic animals are patentable things.

c. The enthymeme is first-order, because the premise taken as understood is the major premise of the completed argument.

d. This is a valid syllogism of the form AAA–1, Barbara.

Problem :

23. Iphigeneia at Aulis is a tragedy because it demonstrates inexorably how human character, with its itch to be admired, combines with the malice of heaven to produce wars which no one in his right mind would want and which turn out to be utterly disastrous for everybody.

—George E. Dimock, Jr., Introduction to Iphigeneia at Aulis by Euripides, 1992

Explanation / Answer

Solution:

A) The premise is that Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to please goddess Artemis so that his troops can win the war against Troy. One can conclude this to be that wars can be won with sacrifices which are not the case because Agamemnon lost the war and his daughter.

B) Standard Form Solutions:

C) The enthymeme is in first order because:

D) The syllogism is valid as it satisfies the form AAA-1, Barbara

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