Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). \[ \text{Assertion (A): A categorical syllogism with two negative premises will always be invalid.} \] \[ \text{Reason (R): Negative propositions convey class exclusion hence relation between major and minor terms cannot be established.} \] In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

A categorical syllogism with two negative premises is always invalid because no connection is established between the major and minor terms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
A categorical syllogism has two premises and one conclusion. There are certain rules for validity. One important rule is: \[ \text{No valid syllogism can have two negative premises.} \]

Step 1: Check Assertion (A).
If both premises are negative, both premises only express exclusion. They do not connect the major term and minor term through the middle term. So, such a syllogism is invalid. Thus, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Check Reason (R).
Negative propositions convey separation or exclusion between classes. If both premises are negative, no positive relation is formed between the major and minor terms. So, Reason (R) is correct.

Step 3: Check explanation.
The reason explains why two negative premises make the syllogism invalid. Hence, Reason correctly explains Assertion. Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]