Deck 1: Logic

Question 1

A valid deductive argument can't have inconsistent premises.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

The following argument is valid: "We live on Mars; therefore, we live on Mars."

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The following statement is a fallacious argument: "I haven't quite made up my mind."

Answer 3

False

Question 4

The following statement is an example of false dilemma: "Either it is raining or it's not."

Question 5

A "valid argument" concerns the

A) truth of the premises.
B) the connection between the premises and conclusion.
C) the persuasiveness of the argument.
D) the truth of the premises.

Question 6

"Either it's going to rain tomorrow or it isn't." This argument is best symbolized as

A) p v ∼ q
B) ∼ p v q.
C) p ⊃ q.
D) p v ∼ p.

Question 7

With a valid deductive argument we know that

A) the premises are true.
B) if the conclusion is true, the premises are probably true.
C) the conclusion is true.
D) None of the above

Question 8

If this is 2094, then it is the twenty-first century
It is 2094
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It is the twenty-first century
The above argument is:

A) valid.
B) sound.
C) invalid.
D) None of the above

Question 9

The valid argument modus tollens is symbolized as:

A) If p, then q; p; therefore q.
B) If p, then q; not q; therefore not p.
C) Either p or q; not p; therefore q.
D) None of the above

Question 10

The valid argument hypothetical syllogism is symbolized as:

A) If p, then q; p; therefore q.
B) If p, then q; not q; therefore not p.
C) Either p or q; not p; therefore q.
D) None of the above

Question 11

Either moral questions are like scientific questions or they're like questions of taste.
It's not the case that moral questions are like scientific questions.
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Moral questions are like questions of taste.
The above argument is an example of:

A) modus ponens.
B) disjunctive syllogism.
C) hypothetical syllogism.
D) modus tollens.

Question 12

If we have free will, then our choices aren't caused.
If our choices aren't caused, then our choices happen by chance.
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If we have free will, then our choices happen by chance.
The above argument is an example of

A) modus ponens.
B) disjunctive syllogism.
C) hypothetical syllogism.
D) modus tollens.

Question 13

If p, then q
Not p
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Not q
The above argument is an example of the fallacy of

A) affirming the antecedent.
B) denying the antecedent.
C) affirming the consequent.
D) denying the consequent.

Question 14

Reasoning that someone is guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt" would be an example of what type of reasoning?

A) Deductive reasoning
B) Inductive reasoning
C) Circular reasoning
D) None of the above

Question 15

"Don't believe what Professor Ingram says in his physics class. I hear he cheats on his wife." This would be an example of

A) circular reasoning.
B) argument from authority.
C) ad hominem argument.
D) appeal to popular opinion.

Question 16

"People seem to like what John has to say. I'd believe him if I were you." This statement involves what fallacy?

A) Circular reasoning
B) Appeal to popular opinion
C) Ad hominem argument
D) Begging the question

Question 17

"There can't be global warming. Just look at how cold it was last week." This statement involves a(n)

A) appeal to ignorance.
B) hasty conclusion.
C) inconsistency.
D) slippery slope.

Question 18

"We'll get him a fair trial and then hang him." This statement would likely be an example of the fallacy of

A) provincialism.
B) inconsistency.
C) appeal to force.
D) appeal to authority.

Question 19

"Get your head on straight. You're going to get in trouble with your neighbors believing things like that." This statement would likely be an example of the fallacy of

A) inconsistency.
B) appeal force.
C) false dilemma.
D) slippery slope.

Question 20

"Let the government into our lives, and they will take over everything." This statement would likely be an example of the fallacy of

A) inconsistency.
B) appeal to force.
C) false dilemma.
D) slippery slope.

Question 21

"This scientific theory is so solid that you can't even imagine it being false." This statement would likely be an example of the fallacy of

A) slippery slope.
B) impervious hypothesis.
C) provincialism.
D) appeal to ignorance.

Question 22

All human beings observed thus far have lived less than 20 years.
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The next human being observed will live less than 20 years.
The above argument is an example of

A) a strong inductive argument with a true premise.
B) a strong inductive argument with a false premise.
C) a weak inductive argument with a true premise.
D) a weak inductive argument with a false premise.

Question 23

"Since my sister has liked all the friends I've brought home so far, I imagine she will like my new friend, Ted, as well." This statement is most clearly an example of

A) hypothetical induction.
B) analogical induction.
C) inductive generalization.
D) None of the above

Question 24

"Look before you leap, my friend. And remember, he who hesitates is lost." This statement exemplifies the fallacy of

A) begging the question.
B) inconsistency.
C) straw man.
D) None of the above

Question 25

Make up a page-length argument in which you commit at least five of the fallacies we've discussed.

Question 26

Characterize the approaches to life of Skeptic, Caution, and Pilgrim in "Another Pilgrim's Progress." Explain which one is closest to your own approach and give some examples of your own thinking to illustrate.

Question 27

"The world is nothing but your private dream." How would you argue against (or for) this claim?

Question 28

Think of some problem you tried to solve recently (finding something, fixing something, whatever).
a. Describe the reasoning process you went through.
b. Explain how your reasoning was inductive or deductive or some combination of both.

Question 29

"Of course I can't tell you what would disprove my hypothesis. After all, my hypothesis is true." What's wrong with this statement? Explain.

Question 30

"But Caution, we don't know this isn't the right road. That ought to count for something." What fallacy does this statement exemplify? Explain.

Question 31

Either moral questions are like scientific questions or they're like questions of taste.
It's not the case that moral questions are like scientific questions.
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Moral questions are like questions of taste.
Symbolize the above argument and say whether it is valid or invalid. If it has a name, what is it?

Question 32

"Deduction goes from the general to the particular; induction goes from the particular to the general." Explain why this statement is wrong and give examples to support your point. Give your own characterization of the difference between deduction and induction.