I need to test a theory...

**racefan8** · 12.14.06, 06:40 PM

This is a logical deductive reasoning theory that I want to prove by seeing how many here will answer it correctly. I am only interested in noting if the majority of people will follow the same reasoning path. Here it is:

Rule: If there is a vowel on one side of the card then there is an even number on the other side of the card.

Four cards are displayed having values A (vowel), T (consonant), 4 (even number), and 7 (odd number).

Instruction: Choose those cards and only those cards that need to be turned over in order to decide whether the rule is true or false.

Sorry if this hurts the brain. Please stop in the Pub for free shots if necessary. Thanks!!!

**BREW CREW** · 12.14.06, 06:51 PM

A-4 baby....did I sink your battleship? Or did I win in Bango?

**billy007** · 12.14.06, 06:56 PM

Well, I'm thinking you turn all four 'cause if there's a chance the the rule could be false you gotta see what's on the b-side of all of them.

**hatchetforce** · 12.14.06, 06:59 PM

T 4

**BREW CREW** · 12.14.06, 07:03 PM

If you read the rule as a fact, then follow the instruction it should be A-4. If it is not true, well....the rule is false. The only thing that matters is the instruction and rule.

**racefan8** · 12.14.06, 07:05 PM

Brew - that's what I picked, too. I'll give it some more time for more replies before I tell you that we're in the 10% who guess correctly.

Billy - you are absolutely right that all should be turned over to prove the conclusion. Problem is, there are two cards that prove the falsification principle, given that the premise is true.

I need more guesses

**guitar08man** · 12.14.06, 07:18 PM

a-4.

the other ones dont matter right? like, the rule never states that there CANT be an even number with a consonant?

thats the reasoning im going with.

**jrk5150** · 12.14.06, 07:40 PM

A and 7. A because if it's true there has to be an even number on the other side. 7 to see if there is a vowel, thus disproving the rule if so.

The rule doesn't say what's on the other side of the 4 or the T, so who cares. By the stated rule, there has to be an even on the flip side of A, and there can't be a vowel on the flip side of 7.

I win.

Unless I'm wrong...

**vistadelrey** · 12.14.06, 07:40 PM

none will prove anything. they are all just examples

**BREW CREW** · 12.14.06, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by IED

The rule doesn't say what's on the other side of the 4 or the T, so who cares.

Read the rule...

Rule: If there is a vowel on one side of the card then there is an even number on the other side of the card.

**jrk5150** · 12.14.06, 07:56 PM

Right - if there is a vowel - A - there is an even number. Therefore turn over that one to check the rule.

Which also means there CANNOT be a vowel on the other side of the 7, that would violate the rule, therefore turn over the 7.

It does NOT say that you can't have an even number on the other side of a consonant, and does NOT say that you can't have a consonant on the other side of an even number. Therefore the 4 and the T are irrelevant, they don't prove or disprove the rule.

**jrk5150** · 12.14.06, 08:01 PM

Think of it another way - it's a one way rule, reading left to right. It doesn't mean it works going right to left.

**BREW CREW** · 12.14.06, 08:01 PM

I just did what it said, that's all.

**CanCanSingSing** · 12.14.06, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by IED

Right - if there is a vowel - A - there is an even number. Therefore turn over that one to check the rule.

Which also means there CANNOT be a vowel on the other side of the 7, that would violate the rule, therefore turn over the 7.

It does NOT say that you can't have an even number on the other side of a consonant, and does NOT say that you can't have a consonant on the other side of an even number. Therefore the 4 and the T are irrelevant, they don't prove or disprove the rule.

I agree

**jrk5150** · 12.14.06, 08:24 PM

Brew - something on this seems to have clicked for you, and I ain't seeing it.

Can't get past what I'm seeing - it's only saying that a vowel means an even number, why would you turn over the 4?

Ah, well, shit happens. I'm sticking with my answer until my wrongness is proven. So prove away.