Question Details

Each question contains several statements followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. You must assume the statements are true even if they contradict everyday knowledge. Read all the conclusions and decide which of them logically follows from the statements.
Statements:
Some Laptops are Desks.
Some Tablets are Desks.
All Laptops are Devices.
Conclusions:
I: Some Laptops are Tablets.
II: No Laptop is Tablet.

Options

If only conclusion I follows.

If only conclusion II follows.

If neither conclusion I nor II follows.

If both conclusions I and II follow.

If either conclusion I or II follows.

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option E

If either conclusion I or II follows.

Solution :

Correct Answer: If either conclusion I or II follows.

Let us analyze the given statements and conclusions step-by-step using standard rules of categorical logic and Venn diagrams.

Given Statements:
1. Some Laptops are Desks.
2. Some Tablets are Desks.
3. All Laptops are Devices.

Analysis of Conclusions:

Conclusion I: Some Laptops are Tablets.
From statement 1 ("Some Laptops are Desks") and statement 2 ("Some Tablets are Desks"), both statements are particular affirmative (I-type). No definite relation is established between "Laptops" and "Tablets". Therefore, Conclusion I does not individually follow as a definite truth.

Conclusion II: No Laptop is Tablet.
Similarly, since there is no negative restriction between "Laptops" and "Tablets", we cannot definitely assert that no Laptop is a Tablet. Therefore, Conclusion II does not individually follow as a definite truth.

Either-Or Case Check:
Now, let us evaluate if conclusions I and II form a complementary pair for an 'either-or' case:
1. Both conclusions have the exact same subject ("Laptops") and predicate ("Tablets").
2. Both individual conclusions do not follow definitely.
3. Conclusion I is a particular affirmative statement ("Some Laptops are Tablets") and Conclusion II is a universal negative statement ("No Laptop is Tablet"). Together, they form an I-E complementary pair.
Since two complementary statements cannot be simultaneously false (Laptops must either share some relationship with Tablets or have no relationship at all), either Conclusion I or Conclusion II must logically follow.

Thus, the correct choice is If either conclusion I or II follows.