The argument "If Denise plays first base, then Laura plays shortstop; if Laura plays shortstop, then Tess plays catcher; so, if Denise plays first base, then Tess plays catcher" is a(n) _____.
A) argument from definition
B) argument by elimination
C) hypothetical syllogism
D) categorical syllogism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This argument is a hypothetical syllogism because it involves a chain of conditional ("if...then") statements leading to a conclusion. If the first condition is met (Denise plays first base), it triggers the second condition (Laura plays shortstop), which in turn triggers the third condition (Tess plays catcher).

The Argument "If Denise Plays First Base, Then Laura Plays