Categorical Syllogisms

Speaking of Categorical Syllogisms, there are 256 possible patterns that can be constructed using a
slightly complex set of nomenclature (major term, minor term, middle term, A, E, I, O and their
combinations). There is no need for you to get into this technical detail. However, you should know
that there are 24 reliable patterns (although there are some that are reliable with conditions attached).
I’ll list 15 of the 24 patterns that are unconditionally reliable:

All birds are animals.

All parrots are birds.
All parrots are animals.

No birds are foxes.

All parrots are birds.
No parrots are foxes.

All dogs are animals.

Some mammals are dogs.
Some mammals are animals.

No dogs are birds.

Some mammals are dogs.
Some mammals are not birds.

No foxes are birds.

All parrots are birds.
No parrots are foxes.

All foxes are animals.

No trees are animals.
No trees are foxes.

No restaurant food is healthy.

Some recipes are healthy.
Some recipes are not restaurant foods.

All liars are evil-doers.

Some doctors are not evil-doers.
Some doctors are not liars.
Some books are precious.
All books are perishable.
Some perishable things are precious.

All books are imperfect.

Some books are informative.
Some informative things are imperfect.

Some websites are not helpful.

All websites are Internet resources.
Some internet resources are not helpful.

No lepers are allowed to enter the church.

All lepers are human.
Some humans are not allowed to enter the church.

All trees are plants.

No plants are birds.
No birds are trees.

Some evil doers are lawyers.

All lawyers are human.
Some humans are evil doers.

No dogs are birds.

Some birds are pets.
Some pets are not dogs.