Fallacies 6.2.2025 AICE Cambridge Thinking Skills 9694

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a flaw in reasoning that involves assuming a cause-and-effect relationship based solely on the order of events?

• Hasty Generalization

• Post Hoc

• False Dichotomy

• Denying the Antecedent

Multiple Choice

What is the term for a reasoning flaw that involves making a broad conclusion based on a small sample size?

• Sweeping Generalization

• Affirming the Consequent

• Hasty Generalization

• False Dichotomy

Open Ended

Why is it important to identify flaws in reasoning when evaluating arguments?

Multiple Choice

Which reasoning flaw involves presenting two options as the only possibilities when more exist?

• Denying the Antecedent

• Post Hoc

• False Dichotomy

• Sweeping Generalization

Multiple Choice

What is the main assumption made in the Post Hoc (False Cause) fallacy?

• One event causes another because they occur simultaneously.

• One event causes another because they are similar.

• One event causes another because it precedes it.

• One event causes another because they are unrelated.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between a necessary condition and a sufficient condition?

• A necessary condition guarantees the event will happen, while a sufficient condition must be present for the event to occur.

• A necessary condition must be present for the event to occur, while a sufficient condition guarantees the event will happen.

• Both necessary and sufficient conditions must always be present for the event to occur.

• A sufficient condition is always required, but a necessary condition is optional.

Multiple Choice

What is the long form name of the Post Hoc fallacy?

• Post hoc ergo propter hoc

• Post hoc non propter hoc

• Propter hoc ergo post hoc

• Propter hoc non post hoc

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of the Post Hoc fallacy?

• I studied hard and passed the exam.

• I drank ginseng tea and my cold went away.

• I exercised and lost weight.

• I ate a healthy diet and felt better.

Open Ended

Explain why submitting all required documents for a visa application is a necessary but not sufficient condition for getting the visa, using the example provided.

Multiple Choice

What is a necessary condition?

• A condition that must be present for an event to occur.

• A condition that guarantees an event will happen.

• A condition that is optional for an event to occur.

• A condition that prevents an event from occurring.

Multiple Choice

What is a sufficient condition?

• A condition that must be present for an event to occur.

• A condition that guarantees an event will happen.

• A condition that is optional for an event to occur.

• A condition that prevents an event from occurring.

Multiple Choice

Which fallacy is committed when someone claims that a seemingly harmless action will inevitably lead to a disastrous outcome without sufficient reason?

• Ad Hominem

• Slippery Slope

• Tu Quoque

• Appeal to Authority

Multiple Choice

In the context of winning the World Cup, what is a necessary condition?

• Winning the final game.

• Qualifying for the tournament.

• Scoring the most goals in the tournament.

• Having the best defense.

Multiple Choice

In the context of winning the World Cup, what is a sufficient condition?

• Qualifying for the tournament.

• Winning the final game.

• Scoring the most goals in the tournament.

• Having the best defense.

Multiple Choice

What fallacy is committed when you assume that a necessary condition of an event is sufficient for the event to occur?

• Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions

• Post hoc ergo propter hoc

• Ad hominem

• Slippery slope

Multiple Choice

In the example given, what is assumed to be sufficient for obtaining a visa for India?

• Submitting a completed application form and additional documents

• Having a valid passport

• Booking a flight to India

• Knowing someone in India

Multiple Choice

According to the slides, the fallacy of personal attack occurs only if which two conditions are met?

• The arguer attacks the argument and ignores the person.

• The arguer rejects another person's argument or claim and attacks the person who offers the argument or claim.

• The arguer agrees with the claim but attacks the person.

• The arguer provides evidence against the argument and attacks the person.

Multiple Choice

What is a slippery slope fallacy?

• A logical argument that uses evidence to support a claim.

• A fallacy where a seemingly harmless action is claimed to lead to a disastrous outcome without sufficient reason.

• A type of argument that relies on emotional appeal.

• A method of reasoning that uses analogies.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a slippery slope argument?

• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

• If you don’t take Calculus, you will be homeless.

• If you eat healthy, you will feel better.

• If you practice, you will improve.

Multiple Select

Which of the following best illustrates the 'tu quoque' fallacy? Select all that apply.

• A politician criticizes another for lying, while they themselves have lied.

• A doctor advises a patient to quit smoking, and the patient responds by pointing out that the doctor smokes too.

• A teacher tells a student to study, and the student says the teacher never studied.

• A person rejects an argument because it was made by someone from a rival group.

Multiple Choice

What is an ad hominem argument?

• An argument that attacks the person rather than their argument.

• An argument that supports the person's character.

• An argument that focuses on the evidence presented.

• An argument that agrees with the person's claim.

Multiple Choice

In the example provided, why is Hugh Hefner's argument considered worthless?

• Because he is an immature, self-indulgent millionaire.

• Because his argument is well-supported.

• Because he provides strong evidence.

• Because he agrees with censorship.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the Straw Man fallacy?

• Misrepresenting an opponent's position to make it easier to attack

• Drawing a general conclusion from a small sample

• Presenting only two choices when more exist

• Assuming what is true for one is true for all

Multiple Choice

When does the fallacy of personal attack occur?

• When an arguer accepts another person's argument and praises them.

• When an arguer rejects another person's argument and attacks the person offering it.

• When an arguer considers the merits of an argument without bias.

• When an arguer ignores the argument and changes the topic.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of the "Tu Quoque" fallacy?

• An arguer rejects another person’s argument or claim because that person fails to practice what he or she preaches.

• An arguer accepts another person’s argument because it is logical.

• An arguer supports another person’s argument because they agree with it.

• An arguer ignores another person’s argument because it is irrelevant.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are characteristics of a hasty generalization?

• It uses a biased sample

• It leads to stereotypes

• It is based on a large, representative sample

• It draws a conclusion about a target population

Multiple Choice

In the example given, what is the patient's response to the doctor's advice to quit smoking?

• The patient agrees to quit immediately.

• The patient ignores the advice.

• The patient says they will quit when the doctor quits.

• The patient asks for more information.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of a "Straw Man" argument?

• An argument that directly addresses the opponent's strongest point.

• An argument that sets up a wimpy version of the opponent’s position and tries to score points by knocking it down.

• An argument that ignores the opponent's position entirely.

• An argument that agrees with the opponent's position.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a "Straw Man" argument?

• "We should have universal health care, but it shouldn't be a kind of health care that kicks 115 million Americans off their health care."

• "The time has come to expand Medicare to cover every man, woman, and child."

• "We need to focus on improving the current healthcare system."

• "Healthcare should be accessible to everyone without any changes."

Multiple Choice

What is a hasty generalization?

• A conclusion based on a large, representative sample

• A conclusion drawn from a biased or too small sample

• A conclusion that is always accurate

• A conclusion based on thorough research

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements is an example of a sweeping generalization?

• All single mothers in Brook Park are on benefits.

• Some business majors are lazy and shiftless.

• We should have universal health care.

• Caldwell Hall is in bad shape.

Multiple Choice

What is a biased sample?

• A sample that accurately represents the target population

• A sample that is not representative of the target population

• A sample that includes everyone in the population

• A sample that is randomly selected

Open Ended

Compare and contrast hasty generalization and sweeping generalization based on the examples provided in the slides.

Multiple Choice

What is the target population?

• The group of people or things that the generalization is about

• The entire world population

• A random selection of individuals

• A group unrelated to the study

Multiple Choice

What can hasty generalizations often lead to?

• Accurate predictions

• False stereotypes

• Detailed analysis

• Comprehensive understanding

Open Ended

What is the main flaw in the argument: 'Caldwell Hall is in bad shape. Either we tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students' safety.'?

Multiple Choice

What does sweeping generalization involve?

• Reasoning from some or many to all

• Reasoning from all to some

• Reasoning from one to none

• Reasoning from none to one

Multiple Choice

Sweeping generalization is a form of what?

• Analysis

• Stereotyping

• Hypothesis

• Observation

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of sweeping generalization?

• All students are good at math.

• Some students are good at math.

• No students are good at math.

• A few students are good at math.

Open Ended

Explain why the conclusion in the example 'If I have the flu then I’ll have a fever. I have a fever. Therefore, I have the flu.' is invalid.

Multiple Choice

What is a sweeping generalization?

• A conclusion based on specific evidence

• A conclusion that applies a stereotype to an individual

• A detailed analysis of a situation

• A logical argument supported by facts

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the fallacy of 'affirming the consequent'?

• Assuming that if B is true, then A must also be true, given 'If A then B'

• Assuming that if A is not true, then B is not true, given 'If A then B'

• Sliding between two meanings of a word in an argument

• Treating two different concepts as the same

Multiple Choice

In the example given, why is the conclusion about Sara considered a sweeping generalization?

• It is based on statistical data

• It assumes all individuals in a group are the same

• It is a well-supported argument

• It considers individual differences

Multiple Choice

What is a potential flaw in the argument about Sara from Brook Park?

• It provides multiple perspectives

• It assumes Sara's situation without evidence

• It is based on Sara's personal testimony

• It includes detailed information about Sara

Multiple Choice

What is the main error in the fallacy of 'denying the antecedent'?

• Assuming that if A is not true, then B is not true, given 'If A then B'

• Assuming that if B is true, then A must be true

• Using two meanings of a word in an argument

• Assuming the conclusion in the premises

Multiple Choice

What is a sweeping generalization?

• A conclusion based on a single example

• A detailed analysis of a specific case

• A generalization that applies to all cases

• A statement that includes exceptions

Multiple Choice

According to the example in the text, what activity does Kyle prefer?

• Going clubbing

• Playing chess with his girlfriend

• Attending parties

• Watching movies

Multiple Choice

What does the text suggest about young people?

• They all enjoy partying

• They have varied interests

• They dislike socializing

• They prefer solitude

Multiple Choice

What is a false dichotomy?

• A situation where only two choices are presented, but more exist.

• A logical argument with multiple valid conclusions.

• A scenario where all options are equally viable.

• A method of decision-making based on consensus.

Open Ended

Describe the difference between equivocation and conflation as logical fallacies.

Multiple Choice

In the example given, what are the two choices presented regarding Caldwell Hall?

• Tear it down or risk students' safety.

• Repair it or build a new one.

• Close it temporarily or permanently.

• Renovate it or leave it as is.

Multiple Choice

What does the argument in the example neglect to mention?

• The possibility of repairing the building.

• The cost of building a new structure.

• The historical significance of the building.

• The opinions of the students.

Multiple Choice

What is the logical fallacy called when one assumes that if "If A then B" and B is true, then A must also be true?

• Affirming the Antecedent

• Denying the Consequent

• Affirming the Consequent

• Denying the Antecedent

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of circular reasoning?

• 'Active euthanasia is morally acceptable. It is a decent, ethical thing to help another human being escape suffering through death.'

• 'The Bible claims that God exists. How do we know this is true? Because the Bible is the Word of God.'

• 'Obesity is a growing problem in western societies. The increasing number of obese people is causing tremendous problems for health provision and insurance.'

• 'Ghosts are real because I have seen something that can only be described as a ghost.'

Multiple Choice

In the example "If I have the flu then I’ll have a fever. I have a fever. Therefore, I have the flu," what is the error in reasoning?

• The conclusion is guaranteed to be true.

• The antecedent is always true if the consequent is true.

• The conclusion does not have to be true because other illnesses can cause a fever.

• The antecedent is false.

Multiple Choice

What is the logical fallacy demonstrated in the argument: "If A then B, Not A, Therefore, Not B"?

• Affirming the Consequent

• Denying the Antecedent

• Modus Ponens

• Modus Tollens

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is committed when someone cites a celebrity as an authority on a topic outside their expertise?

• Inappropriate Appeal to Authority

• Bandwagon Appeal

• Circular Argument

• Equivocation

Multiple Choice

In the example given, what is the conclusion if the premises are: "If I’m cleaning the kitchen, then I’m not reading my book" and "I’m not cleaning the kitchen"?

• I am cleaning the kitchen

• I am not reading my book

• I am reading my book

• I am not cleaning the kitchen

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of equivocation?

• Using a word with multiple meanings to confuse an argument

• Providing evidence to support a claim

• Making a statement without evidence

• Using complex language to sound intelligent

Open Ended

Compare the Bandwagon Appeal and Inappropriate Appeal to Authority fallacies. How do they differ in the way they persuade people?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of equivocation?

• Giving money to charity is the right thing to do. So charities have a right to our money.

• Charity begins at home.

• A penny saved is a penny earned.

• Actions speak louder than words.

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to use the main terms of your argument consistently?

• To avoid confusion and misunderstanding

• To make the argument more complex

• To impress the audience with vocabulary

• To lengthen the argument

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a circular argument?

• "The Bible claims that God exists. How do we know this is true? Because the Bible is the Word of God."

• "Mom, why can’t I get my tongue pierced? All of my friends are doing it."

• "I agree with Alec Baldwin’s stance on global warming. He must know what he’s talking about, being a famous celebrity and all."

• "Giving money to charity is the right thing to do. So charities have a right to our money."

Multiple Choice

What does the term "conflation" mean?

• Combining two or more different concepts and treating them as the same thing.

• Separating two similar concepts and treating them differently.

• Ignoring differences between two identical concepts.

• Creating a new concept from existing ones.

Multiple Choice

What is an example of conflation mentioned in the text?

• Obesity is a growing problem in western societies.

• The increasing number of obese people is causing problems for health provision.

• Treating obesity and fitness as the same issue.

• Encouraging people to get fit.

Multiple Choice

Select all statements that demonstrate the fallacy of equivocation.

• Giving money to charity is the right thing to do. So charities have a right to our money.

• Obesity is a growing problem in western societies. The increasing number of obese people is causing tremendous problems for health provision and insurance.

• People accused of violent crimes should not be entitled to a fair trial, because they did not act fairly towards the people they attacked.

• The Bible claims that God exists. How do we know this is true? Because the Bible is the Word of God.

Multiple Choice

What is a circular argument?

• An argument that provides new evidence.

• An argument that starts and finishes with the same claim.

• An argument that uses statistical data.

• An argument that is based on personal opinion.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a circular argument?

• The Earth is round because scientists have proven it.

• I am trustworthy because I always tell the truth.

• The Bible claims that God exists. How do we know this is true? Because the Bible is the Word of God.

• Exercise is good for health because it improves cardiovascular function.

Multiple Choice

What does "begging the question" mean in logical reasoning?

• Assuming the conclusion within the premises

• Asking a question repeatedly

• Providing evidence for a claim

• Avoiding the main issue

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of begging the question?

• People accused of violent crimes should not be entitled to a fair trial, because they did not act fairly towards the people they attacked.

• The sky is blue because it reflects the ocean.

• I am late because I missed the bus.

• Water is wet because it is a liquid.

Open Ended

Explain how 'begging the question' is related to circular reasoning, using an example from the slides.

Multiple Choice

Begging the question is a type of what kind of reasoning?

• Linear reasoning

• Circular reasoning

• Deductive reasoning

• Inductive reasoning

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the 'Post Hoc (False Cause)' fallacy?

• Assuming that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second.

• Assuming that all members of a group share the same characteristics.

• Presenting only two options when more exist.

• Arguing that if the antecedent is denied, the consequent must also be denied.

Open Ended

In your own words, explain what the 'Post Hoc (False Cause)' fallacy is and provide an example different from the one given in the lesson.