For each of the arguments below, determine whether the argument is correct or incorrect and explain why. a) All students in this class understand logic. Xavier is a student in this class. Therefore, Xavier understands logic. b) Every computer science major takes discrete mathematics. Natasha is taking discrete mathematics. Therefore, Natasha is a computer science major. c) Everyone who eats granola every day is healthy. Linda is not healthy. Therefore, Linda does not eat granola every day.
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a) Lets assume:
P(x) = "x is a student in this class"
Q(x) = "x understands logic"
We can rewrite the given sentence:
- premise
- P(Xavier) premise
- universal installation from 1
- Q(Xavier) modus ponens from 2 and 3
Step 4 means that "Xavier" understand logic" and this corresponds with the given sentence thus the argument is correct.
b) Lets assume:
P(x) = "x is a computer science major"
Q(x) = "x takes discrete mathematics"
We can rewrite the given sentence:
- premise
- P(Natasha) premise
- universal installation from 1
There is no rule for inference that allows us to conclude P(Natasha) which means "Natasha is a computer science major." and thus the argument is incorrect.
c) Lets assume:
P(x) = "x eats granola every day"
Q(x) = "x is healthy"
We can rewrite the given sentence:
- premise
- premise
- universal installation from 1
- modus tollens from 2 and 3
Step 4 means that "Linda does not eat granola every day." and this corresponds with the given sentence thus the argument is correct.
a) correct
b) incorrect
c) correct