Translating Ordinary Sentences into Logical Statements Flashcards
Why are we learning how to translate Ordinary Sentences?
We never see arguements in the real world in the form of syllogisms.
How many Rules are there?
9 Rules: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I
What is Rule A?
Clearly Identify the Subject and the Predicate.
The subject must be put in the beginning of a logical sentence.
What is Rule B?
Supply the Missing Quantifier. Quantifiers are words like all, some, and no.
What is Rule C?
Add the Missing Complement. In a lot of ordinary sentences, the predicate is an adjective such as in ‘All taxpayers are poor.’ Since logic divides parts into classes, it must be a noun. You can simply change ‘poor’ to ‘poor people.’
What is Rule D?
Supply the Missing Copula. The Copula is the words that ties the subject and predicate together. They are words like is, am, and are.
What does a Statement need to be Logical?
A subject, predicate, copula, complement, and a quantifier.
What is Rule E?
Change exclusive sentences first. Ex: Only men are preists -> All priests are men.
What is Rule F?
Change Negative Sentences into E or O Statements. Here are the steps for translating negative sentences: Replace the negating word with ‘no,’ add the copula, and complement the predicate. (Ex: All people are not honest -> No people are honest)
What is Rule G?
Change Exceptive Sentences into E or A statements. Sentences that start with ‘except’ can mean two things, they can be an A and an E statement. Only one of the two can be chosen.
What is Rule H?
Sentences Containing ‘Anyone,’ ‘Anything,’ ‘Whoever,’ ‘The,’ ‘If,’ ‘Then,’ or ‘Whatever’ should be Translated into A statements. (Ex: Anyone who has eyes can see -> All people with eyes can see)
What is Rule I?
Sentences Containing ‘Someone,’ ‘Something,’ ‘There Is,’ or ‘There Are’ should be translated to I Statements. (Ex: Someone is looking at me -> Some are things that are looking at me)
