Learning Objectives

To understand how categorical statements can be combined to form categorical syllogisms.

To gain a deeper understanding of categorical statements by constructing Venn diagrams of them.

To be able to construct Venn diagrams of categorical syllogisms in order to assess their validity (or lack thereof).

To understand the differences between the Traditional Square of Opposition and the Modern Square of Opposition, and to understand why modern logicians reject the Traditional Square of Opposition.

To know how to fill in the unstated steps in enthymemes.

To know how to use Venn diagrams to evaluate enthymemes for validity.

To know how to use Venn diagrams to evaluate sorites for validity.

To be able to identify term-complements and to remove them when doing so will simplify the evaluation of a categorical argument.

To be able to apply a standard set of rules for determining the validity of categorical syllogisms.