Rasmussen Introduction to Critical Thinking 2 Syllogism Analysis

Competency

This deliverable will allow you to demonstrate your ability to clearly discern between valid and invalid arguments.

Instructions

Consider the following arguments

All chickens have feathers.

This animal has feathers.

Therefore, this animal is a chicken.

All chickens are green.

No green birds eat pickles.

Therefore, no chickens eat pickles.

All chickens are mortal.

My pet bird Gilda is a chicken.

Therefore, Gilda is mortal.

All chickens are birds.

All ducks are birds.

Therefore, all chickens are ducks.

Floyd is a rooster.

A rooster is a male chicken.

Therefore, Floyd is a chicken.

In a short (1 page) essay, explain the following:

Which of these syllogisms is valid? Explain why these syllogisms are valid and which are not. For the invalid syllogisms, include the reason(s) for the non-valid structure.

Which of these syllogisms is sound? Explain why these syllogisms are sound and which are not. For the unsound syllogisms, include the reason(s) for the unsound structure.

The discussion of the syllogisms should use proper grammar and formal language and use APA formatting.