Traditional Logic II

[TinaB.]

In Chapter 10 of the text, we learn about Aristotelian Sorites. When learning to extrapolate this type of sorites, we are taught to turn the Fourth Figure mood into a First Figure, then draw the conclusion. Is the changing of the mood a necessary part of the extrapolation, or can students leave the propositions in the Fourth Figure and then draw their conclusions. The purpose is to determine validity - so if the Fourth Figure components are valid, the whole argument would be, as well. Is this correct reasoning?

Thanks for your help!

Tina B.

[spiland]

Tina,

No problem. Yes, the original form that is a 4th figure sorite is valid; all you're doing when you extrapolate it is making explicit what is implicit in the original form. So, if your student wanted to construct sorites and leave them as they are, this is fine.

Scott Piland

[TinaB.]

Thanks so much!