Consider the following assertion (A) and reason (R) and select the correct…
2015
Consider the following assertion (A) and reason (R) and select the correct code given below :
(A) : No man is perfect.
(R) : Some men are not perfect.
Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) does not provide sufficient reason for (A) . — CONCEPTIn a categorical proposition, “No S is P” is a universal negative (E), whereas “Some S are not P” is a particular negative (O). Under the traditional…
- A.
Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) does not provide sufficient reason for (A) .
- B.
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) provides sufficient reason for (A) .
- C.
(A) is true but (R) is false.
- D.
(A) is false but (R) is true.
Attempted by 4 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
CONCEPT
In a categorical proposition, “No S is P” is a universal negative (E), whereas “Some S are not P” is a particular negative (O). Under the traditional square of opposition used in such questions, E implies O when the subject class exists; the converse inference is invalid.
APPLICATION
The assertion says that every man is outside the class of perfect persons. In the ordinary context of the item, this general claim is accepted as true.
The reason says that at least one man is not perfect. Since men exist, the assertion entails this particular statement, so the reason is also true.
However, a statement about at least one man cannot establish a claim about every man. Therefore the reason is not a sufficient reason for the assertion.
CROSS-CHECK
Imagine one man is imperfect and another man is perfect. The reason would remain true while the assertion would be false. This counterexample proves that the reason does not imply the assertion.
Result: Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) does not provide sufficient reason for (A).