Chapter 1.

6, Problem 16E

Problem

For each of these arguments determine whether the argument is correct or incorrect and explain
why.

a) Everyone enrolled in the university has lived in a dormitory. Mia has never lived in a
dormitory. Therefore, Mia is not enrolled in the university.

b) A convertible car is fun to drive. Isaac’s car is not a convertible. Therefore, Isaac’s car is not
fun to drive.

c) Quincy likes all action movies. Quincy likes the movie Eight Men Out. Therefore. Eight Men
Out is an action movie.

d) All lobstermen set at least a dozen traps. Hamilton is a lobsterman. Therefore, Hamilton sets
at least a dozen traps.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1 of 4
The objective is to determine whether the following arguments are valid or not.

(a)

Let be the proposition “ is enrolled in the university,” and be the proposition “

has lived in a dormitory.”

Then the premises are

The conclusion is

The following steps can be used to get the conclusion from the premises.

Step Reason

1. Premise

2. Universal instantiation

3. Premise

4. Modus Tollens from 2 and 3

Therefore, the argument is correct using universal instantiation and modus tollens.

Step 2 of 4

(b)
Let be the proposition “ is a convertible car,” and be the proposition “ is fun to
drive.”

Then the premises are

The conclusion is

The following steps can be used to get the conclusion from the premises.

Step Reason

1. Premise

2. Universal instantiation

3. Premise

4. Inverse of 1.

This argument is of the form:

After applying universal instantiation, it contains the fallacy of denying the hypothesis.

Therefore, the argument is incorrect using universal instantiation.

 Step 3 of 4

(c)

Let be the proposition “ is an action movie,” and be the proposition “Quincy likes
movie x.”

Then the premises are

The conclusion is

The following steps can be used to get the conclusion from the premises.

Step Reason

1. Premise

2. Universal instantiation

3. Premise

4. Converse of 1.

This argument is of the form:

After applying universal instantiation, it contains the fallacy of affirming the conclusion.

Therefore, the argument is incorrect using universal instantiation.

Therefore, the argument is incorrect using universal instantiation.

Step 4 of 4
(d)

Let be the proposition “ is a lobsterman,” and be the proposition “ set at least

dozen traps.”

Then the premises are

The conclusion is

The following steps can be used to get the conclusion from the premises.

Step Reason

1. Premise

2. Universal instantiation

3. Premise and Universal instantiation

4. Modus Ponens from 2 and 3

Therefore, the argument is correct using universal instantiation and modus ponens.