Statements: Some doctors are writers. Some writers are poets. Which conclusion follows?
- A. Some doctors are poets
- B. No doctor is a poet
- C. All writers are doctors
- D. No definite conclusion follows
Explanation
Both premises are particular, and two particular premises can never yield a definite conclusion, because the two overlapping groups of writers may be completely different people. Some doctors being poets is possible but not guaranteed. Recognising this rule saves time on many syllogism questions.
Related questions
If all surgeons are doctors and some doctors are researchers, which conclusion definitely follows?
Statements: All cats are mammals. All dogs are mammals. Conclusion: All cats are dogs. This conclusion is
Statements: Some pens are books. All books are papers. Which conclusion follows?
Statements: No student is careless. Some careless people are drivers. Which conclusion follows?
Statements: All engineers are graduates. Some graduates are unemployed. Which conclusion follows?