here's one to ponder

[shyquietguy]

I have been challenged in my logic class to find the answer to this for a cash prize of 20$. Maybe some of you wise guys can help me. I think I have an answer

Comments

[davidwhiller]

No. And I want a piece of that $20.

Re:

[shyquietguy]

no answer, no money!

[coffiend]

that is the answer dufus.

[davidwhiller]

If you want to get detailed, do this: Draw a circle. Now, this circle, we're going to label as "All Things That Are Mortal". Now draw another circle within the larger circle. This one, we're going to call "Men". Now the reason why we can put the circle "Men" inside the larger circle "All Things That Are Mortal" is because of the premise "All men are mortal." Makes sense, right? If all men are mortal, then all of them would fit inside the category of mortal things. Now put a dot inside the "Men" circle. Does it also fall within the circle of "All Things That Are Mortal"? I bet it does! Problem solved.

[coffiend]

david w hiller: no, no possible way
david w hiller: it's necessarly true
david w hiller: by deductive logic

theres an answer for ya.

[coffiend]

Ive made my conclusion and i must state that Dave Hiller has posed the strongest argument here. Tacos are awarded to him alone. sorry dl, better luck next time.

(all judgements are final)

[dlxw]

Richards is going to have a field day with you.

[beechbum]

time for me to take on the role of ditz...

huh?

[bonblond]

Haha, look at my lj picture.

I agree with D'Law, that the question is not whether Socrates is immortal or not, but whether or not a premise in general can have a false conclusion (Ray Charles, though brilliant in his hit, Hit the Road Jack, is not God).

I think Ryan should keep all his money if he gets it right, he's got the most comments anyone's had for awhile.

[davidwhiller]

What's the point of having the Socrates argument then? Ryan, you need to clear up this matter immediately. I think at this point both Dave and I deserve tacos for our undying efforts to introduce you to the wild and wacky world of formal logic.

Re:

[bonblond]

The point of the Socrates argument, then, is to show that in this case, the syllogism is true, and maybe the teacher is trying to see if the students realize that it isn't true in all cases, that a premise can have a false conclusion.

[coffiend]

and as self proclaimed foreman and judge of these here logic games. i will require a taco as well for my efforts. Ryan, any conclusive answers, youve heard our words, do you have a thought of your own to add?