Braingle: 'Philosophy, math and poets' Brain Teaser

Philosophy, math and poets

Logic puzzles require you to think. You will have to be logical in your reasoning.

Puzzle ID:	#319
Fun:	(2.38)
Difficulty:	(2.02)
Category:	Logic
Submitted By:	Phyllis
Corrected By:	cnmne

Are these 4 statements logically compatible?
#1-Some mathematicians are philosophers.
#2-Immortals are ignorant of philosophy
#3-No poet practices mathematics.
#4-All mortals are poets.

Answer

Start with the statement #2. If immortals are ignorant of philosophy, philosophers must be mortals, otherwise they would be ignorant of philosophy. Since statement #4 says all mortals are poets, philosophers must be poets. Since statement #3 says no poet practices mathematics, no philosopher does either. So, a mathematician cannot be a philosopher, which makes statement #1 inconsistent with the other 3 statements.
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Comments

krishnan Aug 16, 2003	I enjoyed this one.
boodler Nov 25, 2005	I also enjoyed it; didn't get it though!
stephiesd Dec 09, 2005	I guesed no, because if they were, they probably wouldn't have required thinking. I'm SO confused.
sugarnspice4u7 Jan 22, 2006	pretty fun!
mik512 Feb 20, 2006	i dont like poetry but i still liked this
calmsavior Apr 26, 2006	bad bad teaser (
stang99 May 15, 2006	Hey man I liked it a lot. I lov these types. Keep up the good work!
tonjawithaj Jun 12, 2006	I like this...althoguht wouldn't it logically follow that mathmeticians are not mortals?
coryphaeus Jan 03, 2007	tonjawithaj: since the statements don't jive, i don't think you can logically conclude anything further unless you eliminate a statement. If statement 1 is true, then some mathmaticians are philosophers, all of whom are mortal. so some have to be mortal. depends on which of the 4 you eliminate...
brudork Mar 10, 2007	?????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????
Jimbo Mar 11, 2007	A thoroughly difficult but enjoyable puzzle. Using a Venn diagram helps.
slicktrumpet Apr 10, 2007	That's clever! Very very good.
coolboy66 Dec 31, 2010