Gensler’s star test and some examples of ıts applıcatıon

Abstract

“Star test” is a method of checking the validity of syllogistic arguments devised and first introduced by Gensler in 1973. In his paper “A Simplified Decision Procedure for Categorical Syllogism”, Gensler contrasts “star test” with the set of rules traditionally used in checking the validity of syllogistic arguments. Gensler attempts to show that his method is more advantageous and functional insofar as syllogistic and deductive arguments are concerned. The aim of this paper is twofold: to introduce and evaluate Gensler’s “star test”. Its will be shown that while Gensler’s “star test” seems advantageous in some contexts, it is not a proper method for checking the validity of certain types of categorical syllogisms. Key Words: Star Test, Syllogism, Syllogistic Logic, Validity.