Which of the following propositions are contrary? Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

1.All cows are herbivores.

2.No cows are herbivores.

3.Some cows are herbivores.

4.Some cows are not herbivores.

A1, 3 only

B1, 2 only ✓ Correct

C3, 4 only

D1, 4 only

Correct answer: (B) 1, 2 only

Explanation

The two universals, "All cows are herbivores" and "No cows are herbivores", form the contrary pair.

Statement 1 is the universal affirmative A and Statement 2 is the universal negative E.

On the square of opposition A and E sit at the two upper corners.

Contraries share the trait that they cannot both be true at the same time.

Yet they may both be false, so they are not contradictory.

This mutual exclusion in truth alone marks Statement 1 and Statement 2 as contrary.

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