Consider this argument: "If we drive on the Pacific Coast Highway near San Francisco we can see islands off the Pacific Coast. Look! We can see islands off the Pacific Coast. So we are driving on the Pacific Coast Highway near San Francisco." That argument is an example of __________.
A) the fallacy of denying the antecedent
B) the fallacy of affirming the consequent
C) a valid argument by affirming the antecedent
D) a valid argument by denying the consequent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This argument is an example of the fallacy of affirming the consequent. The argument tries to connect the observation of seeing islands off the Pacific Coast to the conclusion that the speaker is driving on the Pacific Coast Highway near San Francisco. However, this does not necessarily follow. It is possible to see the islands from other places as well. Therefore, the argument is invalid.

Consider This Argument: "If We Drive on the Pacific Coast