We present the results of an experiment designed to investigate the mediating role of artefacts in syllogistic reasoning. The aim of the experiment is to compare a new form of representation of the premises, designed according to the Models Theory, with two “classical” representations (Euler circles and Propositions). The results provide preliminary empirical evidence for both hypothesis of the...

In Prior Analytics 1.15 Aristotle undertakes to establish certain modal syllogisms of the form XQM. Although these syllogisms are central to his modal system, the proofs he offers for them are problematic. The precise structure of these proofs is disputed, and it is often thought that they are invalid. We propose an interpretation which resolves the main difficulties with them: the proofs are v...

This paper presents a new theory of syllogistic reasoning. The proposed model assumes there are probabilistic representations of given signature situations. Instead of conducting an exhaustive search, the model constructs an individual-based "logical" mental representation that expresses the most probable state of affairs, and derives a necessary conclusion that is not inconsistent with the mod...

In this paper, we describe the Nexing Corpus and report on the tools implemented and the tasks undertaken for its development. The Nexing Corpus includes (i) a collection of written transcriptions of verbal data elicited during a psycholinguistic experiment on syllogistic reasoning; and (ii) performance data concerning that experiment, such as latencies, confidence levels and accuracy of answer...

Oakhill, J., Johnson-Laird, P.N., and Gornham, A., 1989. Believability and syllogistic reasoning. Cognition, 31: 117-140. In this paper we investigate the locus of believability effects in syllogistic reasoning. We identify three points in the reasoning process at which such efsects could occur: the initial interpretation of premises, the examination of alternative representations of them (in a...

In this paper we propose a mental models theory of syllogistic reasoning which does not incorporate a falsification procedure and clearly specifies which conclusions will be generated and in what order of preference. It is assumed the models constructed vary in terms of the number of uncertain representations of end terms, and the directness of the representation of the subjects of valid conclu...

Many biases in decision-making and reasoning are a result of ignoring logical rules and relevant information while focusing on irrelevant cues present within an argument. In the present study we examine explanatory schemata – a set of interrelated concepts that are deemed relevant to participants. Participants were first trained in a syllogistic reasoning task and were then presented descriptio...