Syllogism Types and Validity Quiz

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| Attempts: 11 | Questions: 9 | Updated: Jan 29, 2026
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1. All bumble bees are things that collect nectar from flowers. That insect is a bumble bee. Therefore, that insect is a thing that collects nectar from flowers. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This reasoning follows a categorical syllogism structure, where a general statement about a category (bumble bees collecting nectar) is applied to a specific instance (the insect in question). The conclusion logically follows from the premises, affirming that since the insect is a bumble bee and all bumble bees collect nectar, it must also collect nectar. This form of reasoning is valid, as the conclusion is necessarily true if the premises are true.

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About This Quiz
Critical Thinking Quizzes & Trivia

Explore the intricacies of logical reasoning with this engaging quiz on syllogisms. Assess your skills in identifying valid and invalid arguments through various examples. Perfect for learners seeking to enhance their understanding of categorical and hypothetical syllogisms and their applications in everyday reasoning.

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2. If you become like a child, then you will enter the kingdom of heaven. You have not entered the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, you have not become like a child. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This argument is structured as a categorical syllogism, which involves statements about categories or classes. It asserts that if one does not meet a condition (becoming like a child), then one cannot achieve a certain outcome (entering the kingdom of heaven). However, the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises since it assumes that the only way to enter the kingdom is by becoming like a child, ignoring other possibilities. Thus, the argument is invalid, as it fails to establish a necessary connection between the premises and the conclusion.

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3. All things in Massachusetts are in America. Boston is in America. Therefore, Boston is in Massachusetts. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This argument presents a categorical syllogism because it involves statements about categories: all things in Massachusetts, and Boston being in America. However, the conclusion that Boston is in Massachusetts does not logically follow from the premises provided. While all things in Massachusetts are in America, it does not imply that all things in America are in Massachusetts. Therefore, the argument is invalid as the premises do not guarantee the truth of the conclusion.

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4. If you are taking this test, then you are a student. You are a student. Therefore, you are taking this test. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

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5. All elephants have trunks. That animal has a trunk. Therefore, that animal is an elephant. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This reasoning is a categorical syllogism because it involves a general statement about a category (elephants having trunks) and applies it to a specific instance (an animal with a trunk). However, the argument is invalid because having a trunk does not exclusively identify the animal as an elephant; other animals also possess trunks. Thus, the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premise, demonstrating a flaw in logical reasoning.

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6. All divine beings can perform miracles. That woman can perform miracles. Therefore, that woman is a divine being. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This argument is a categorical syllogism because it involves two premises that categorize subjects into groups. The first premise establishes a universal claim about divine beings and their ability to perform miracles, while the second premise asserts that a specific woman belongs to this group by also performing miracles. The conclusion logically follows that this woman is a divine being. Since the premises are structured correctly and lead to a valid conclusion, the syllogism is deemed valid.

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7. All cats are carnivores. Buffy is a cat. Therefore, Buffy is a carnivore. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This reasoning follows a categorical syllogism structure, which involves two premises leading to a conclusion about categories. The first premise states that all cats belong to the category of carnivores, while the second premise identifies Buffy as a member of the cat category. Therefore, it logically concludes that Buffy must also be a carnivore. Since the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises, this syllogism is valid.

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8. All fish live in water. Sharks live in water. Therefore, sharks are fish. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This argument is a categorical syllogism because it involves two premises that relate categories: "All fish live in water" and "Sharks live in water." However, it is invalid because the premises do not logically lead to the conclusion that "sharks are fish." While all fish live in water, not all creatures that live in water are fish; thus, the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises. This demonstrates a flaw in reasoning, making the syllogism invalid.

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9. If humans always do what they are told, then they are the same as machines. Humans do not always do what they are told. Therefore, they are not the same as machines. What type of syllogism is this? Is it valid?

Explanation

This argument follows a hypothetical syllogism structure, which involves conditional statements. It posits that if humans always obey commands, they would be indistinguishable from machines. Since humans do not always obey, the conclusion that they are not the same as machines logically follows. The argument is valid because the conclusion is supported by the premises, adhering to the form of the hypothetical syllogism, which asserts that if the antecedent is false, the consequent must also be false. Thus, the reasoning is sound and the argument holds.

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All bumble bees are things that collect nectar from flowers. That...
If you become like a child, then you will enter the kingdom of heaven....
All things in Massachusetts are in America. Boston is in America....
If you are taking this test, then you are a student. You are a...
All elephants have trunks. That animal has a trunk. Therefore, that...
All divine beings can perform miracles. That woman can perform...
All cats are carnivores. Buffy is a cat. Therefore, Buffy is a...
All fish live in water. Sharks live in water. Therefore, sharks are...
If humans always do what they are told, then they are the same as...
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