* basic structure of a standardized categorical statement: * quantifier (All, Some, or No) * Subject category terms * Linking verb (Copula) (are, are not) * Predicate category term * how to standardize a categorical statement * Step 1 - rephrase non-standard subjects and predicates so they refer to categories/groups/sets of things * Step 2 - rephrase non-standard linking verbs to forms of "to be" * Step 3 - if a quantifier is not explicitly stated, add it (applying the Principle of Charity as appropriate) * Step 4 - a statement about a particular person, place, or thing can be translated into a categorical statement... Before: Fred was born in California. After: All persons who are Fred are persons who were born in California. Before: Ana is not a Green party member. After: No persons who are Ana are persons who are Green Party members. * Step 5 - translate stylistic variants into the equivalent standardized categorical form: * All A are B. * No A are B. * Some A are B. * Some A are not B. * going to the white board for 3-circle Venn diagrams! * METHOD for checking for VALIDITY of Categorical Syllogisms: * Translate the statements into standard categorical statements. * Draw the 3-circle Venn diagram, and label each circle * Draw the 2 premises in the diagram. * Do the ALL- and NO- style premises BEFORE the SOME- style premises * DO NOT PLACE an X in a SHADED AREA * Test the resulting diagram against the Conclusion. * Note that an X MUST BE completely inside an area for it to establish validity!