Is the Following Syllogism Valid? Tom Is Asleep or Tom

question 56

Multiple Choice

Is the following syllogism valid? Tom is asleep or Tom is reading.
Tom is asleep.
Tom is not reading.

• A)Yes.
• B)No, because the conclusion is a negative proposition.
• C)No, because the disjunctive premise ought to be the second premise, not the first.
• D)No, because we don't know whether or not the second premise is true.
• E)No, because the second premise affirms a disjunct rather than negating one.

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Definitions:

Clark Hull

An influential psychologist known for his drive-reduction theory of learning and motivation within the behaviorist framework.

Primary Motive

Fundamental drives or motivations that are biological in nature, such as hunger, thirst, or the need for sleep.

Ethology

The scientific study of animal behavior, often with a focus on behaviors that are instinctive or genetically programmed.

Natural Habitat

The original environment in which a plant, animal, or organism lives and grows best, without human intervention.