Arguments in Action Higher Revision

Which of the following correctly describe an argument? (select all that apply)

• It has a truth value

• An argument can prove or refute

• An argument can assert or deny

• An argument can be strong/cogent sound/unsound

"An Argument is just a collection of sentences" Is this true? (click all that apply)

• Yes because a statement is a type of sentence

• Yes because all sentences can be turned into premises

• No because not all sentences are statements and only statements can be used in arguments

• No because three unrelated sentences won't make an argument

“All cats like fish so Tiddles likes fish.” Identify the hidden premise

All cats have tails, Max is a cat, therefore Max has a tail” Which of the following best describes this argument

• Valid and sound

• Valid and unsound

• Invalid and unsound

• Invalid and sound

‘A square has 4 sides. A triangle has 3 sides. Therefore, a square has more sides than a triangle.’ Arguments are often evaluated in terms of the acceptability, relevance and sufficiency of their premises. Choose one of the premises in the above argument. What makes this premise acceptable?

What is the basic definition of a fallacy?

• A wrong argument

• A person insulting the arguer

• An error in reasoning

• A premise that is implied but not stated

What are two common features of inductive arguments?

• If you take the premises to be true, then the conclusion must necessarily follow

• They have probable rather than certain conclusions

• They are described as cogent rather than valid

• They are described as valid rather than cogent

What is the difference between a formal and informal fallacy? (tick all that apply)

• A formal fallacy has an invalid structure

• An informal fallacy could have a valid structure, but is unreliable because the premises are misleading or false

• An informal fallacy has an invalid structure

• A formal fallacy could have a valid structure, but is unreliable because the premises are false or misleading

What is a sound argument?

• A valid argument that has true premises

• An invalid argument that has false premises

• A valid argument that has false premises

• An inductive argument

All mammals have eyes, all monkeys have eyes, So all monkeys are mammals. Is this a sound argument?

• Yes, this is valid and sound because the conclusion is true

• No, although the conclusion is true, it doesn't follow from the premises which make it invalid and therefore unsound