Deck 5: Preparing to Evaluate Arguments

Question 1

Unemployment is probably rising throughout most California counties, for the reason that it has been rising in Kern and Los Angeles counties.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Since every lawyer is a college graduate, and since every college graduate has taken logical reasoning courses, we know that all lawyers have taken logical reasoning courses.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Since all Ford Mustangs are automobiles, and not all Ford Mustangs are red, some automobiles are not red.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Answer 3

A

Question 4

The reason that the number of latch key children has risen in recent months is that more families than ever before have both adults working full time.

Question 5

It appears that the Toyota shareholders are going to be nervous. This is because either Toyota fires its CEO or its shareholders will be nervous, and Toyota refuses to fire its CEO.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Question 6

What evaluative language should you use for causal arguments?

A) valid/invalid; cogent/uncogent
B) valid/invalid; sound/unsound
C) strong/weak; cogent/uncogent
D) strong/weak; sound/unsound

Question 7

Using a lemon when cooking is like using a lime. Given that limes can be added to bland foods to give them some zest, lemons, too, will give zest to bland foods.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Question 8

Learning to think critically is like learning to play the piano. Given that you have to practice a lot to be good at playing the piano, you must practice a lot to be a critical thinker.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Question 9

What evaluative language should you use for truth-functional arguments?

A) valid/invalid; cogent/uncogent
B) valid/invalid; sound/unsound
C) strong/weak; cogent/uncogent
D) strong/weak; sound/unsound

Question 10

Our sales drive began losing steam two weeks ago. This is probably caused by the free prizes given by our competitor, because they initiated this particular free prize promotion at the beginning of last month.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Question 11

What evaluative language should you use for inductive generalizations?

A) valid/invalid; cogent/uncogent
B) valid/invalid; sound/unsound
C) strong/weak; cogent/uncogent
D) strong/weak; sound/unsound

Question 12

What evaluative language should you use for analogical arguments?

A) valid/invalid; cogent/uncogent
B) valid/invalid; sound/unsound
C) strong/weak; cogent/uncogent
D) strong/weak; sound/unsound

Question 13

The best policy if you experience any of the above problems (e.g., aggression toward humans, persistent destructive behavior) is to consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian for evaluation of your individual situation. -Monks of New Skete, How to be Your Dog's Best Friend

Question 14

Write a Complete Analysis for each of the following passages.

-No horoscopes are accurate predictors of behavior. Therefore, since all scientifically testable procedures are accurate predictors of behavior, no horoscopes are scientifically testable procedures.

Question 15

Last year the rate of unemployment among 18-25 years olds increased. Also, the crime rate in this same demographic went up. Thus, it seems likely that rising unemployment caused an increase in crime.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Question 16

Write a Complete Analysis for each of the following passages.

-Pear, plum, and apple trees are like apricot trees. Since pear, plum, and apple trees are good trees to plant for attracting hummingbirds, it's likely that planting apricot trees also attracts hummingbirds.

Question 17

In view of the fact that high school and college football players are at increased risk of brain damage associated with early onset dementia, most football players are probably at risk of such brain damage.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Question 18

The U.N. peacekeepers in Ivory Coast will be ready to leave the country at the end of the month if the warring parties have completed the peace negations by the end of January. Inasmuch as the warring parties did complete the peace negations by the end of January, the U.N. peacekeepers in Ivory Coast will be ready to leave the country at the end of the month.

A) categorical argument
B) truth-functional argument
C) analogical argument
D) inductive generalization
E) causal argument

Question 19

Even though we have landed a probe on Venus, it has never shown that life doesn't exist on that planet. Therefore, it's correct to conclude that life exists on Venus.

Question 20

What evaluative language should you use for categorical arguments?

A) valid/invalid; cogent/uncogent
B) valid/invalid; sound/unsound
C) strong/weak; cogent/uncogent
D) strong/weak; sound/unsound