Syllogism
SYLLOGISM
Syllogism consists of statements and conclusions. Some statements are given which are definitely true and the
candidate has to find out whether the conclusions which are derived from the given statements are true or not.
Syllogism can easily be solved by using Venn diagrams. In Syllogism we can have either definite conclusions or
possibilities.
Definite conclusions: Based on this statement alone, we can conclude some things definitely. Definite conclusions
are those that are certainly true based on the statement(s) given. These are those that can most certainly be
concluded on the basis of the Least Venn Diagram.
NOTE: The Least Venn Diagram shows minimal or least possible overlapping between two groups. These are the
most common ways of representing the given statement. Each selection has its own unique Least Venn Diagram.
Possibilities: These are those that may be true but are not definite. They can be shown using either the Least Venn
Diagram or Alternate Venn Diagrams. Alternate Diagrams are those Venn Diagrams that are not commonly used to
depict that particular statement, but are also valid ways of representing the statement.
Let us consider the different types of statements and the definite conclusions and possibilities derived from them.
Case 1:
Statement - All A are B.
The following Venn diagrams are possible for the given statement:
Definite conclusions:
 Some A are B
 Some B are A
Possibilities:
 Some B are not A
 All B are A
Case 2:
Statement – Some A are B
The following Venn diagrams are possible for the given statement:
Definite conclusions:
 Some B are A
Possibilities:
 Some A are not B
 Some B are not A
 All B are A
 All A are B
Case 3:
Statement – No A are B
The following Venn diagram is possible for the given statement:
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Definite conclusions:
 No B are A
 Some A are not B
 Some B are not A
Possibilities:
There are no possibilities exist in this case.
Case 4:
Statement – Some A are not B
The following Venn diagrams are possible for the given statement:
Definite conclusions:
 No definite conclusion can be drawn on the basis of this statement alone.
Possibilities:
 All B are A
 Some B are not A
 Some A are B
 Some B are A
 No A are B
 No B are A
The following examples will help you more in understanding the topic:
Directions: In the following question, two statements are followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. You have to
take the given two statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with the commonly known facts. Read the
conclusion and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows from the two given statements,
disregarding commonly known facts.
(a)
Only conclusion I follows
(b)
Only conclusion II follows
(c)
Neither conclusion I nor II follows
(d)
Both conclusion I and II follow
1.
Statements:
All the trucks are flies.
Some scooters are flies.
Conclusions: I. All the trucks are scooters.
II. Some flies are trucks.
Sol. (b)
2.
Statements:
Some pictures are beds.
All beds are trees.
Conclusions: I. Some pictures are trees.
II. At least some trees are beds.
Sol. (d)
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