4 syllogism composition

Rossi, 1
Michael Rossi
October 4, 2009
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Compose 4 syllogisms that are true, and four that are false. Describe in one sentence, how each false syllogism is false.

True Syllogisms

1: Soccer players have the Trinity Catholic soccer jerseys. Daryl Thomas has a Trinity Catholic soccer jersey. Daryl Thomas is a soccer player.

2: Harry cannot read books. The Little Red Riding Hood is a book. Harry cannot read the Little Red Riding Hood.

3: Human beings do not have wings. Scott Pero is a human being. Scott Pero does not have wings.

4: Fish cannot fly. A salmon is a fish. Salmon cannot fly.

False Syllogisms

1: A. Red Bull gives you wings. Dante drinks Red Bull. Dante has wings.
B. The syllogism is false because the expression, Red Bull gives you wings is an exaggeration, used to express the amount of energy one gains from drinking Red Bull. There the conclusion is erroneous as it is based off a false premise.

2: A. World leaders are moral people. Hitler was a world leader. Hitler was a moral person.
Rossi, 2
B. The syllogism is false because world leaders are not always moral people. Hitler was a world leader and he was amoral.

3. A. Cars have four wheels. A wheel barrel has four wheels. A wheel barrel is a car.
B. The syllogism is false because many things besides cars have four wheels. Just because a wheel barrel has four wheels does not mean it is a car.

4. A. Humans have two eyes. An eagle has two eyes. An eagle is human.
B. The syllogism is false because other creatures besides humans have two eyes. Eagles are not human.

5. A. Mr. George reads books. Mr. reads street signs. Street signs are books.
B: The syllogism is false because Mr. George reads other writings that are not necessarily books. A street sign is not a book.