Which of the following two statements cannot both be true but can both be false? Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
1.All monkeys are apes
2.Some monkeys are apes
3.Some monkeys are not apes
4.No monkeys are apes
A1 and 4 only ✓ Correct
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D2 and 4 only
Correct answer: (A) 1 and 4 only
Explanation
Statements 1 and 4 are contraries, the one pair that cannot both be true yet can both be false.
Statement 1 is the A form (All S are P) and Statement 4 is the E form (No S are P).
They share the same subject and predicate but assert universal agreement versus universal denial.
Both cannot hold together, since all cannot be P while at the same time none is P.
Yet both fail together when the real case is that only some are P and some are not.
Mutual exclusion without joint falsity is the defining mark of contrariety in the square of opposition.
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