TED-Ed: Can you outsmart the college admissions fallacy? | Elizabeth Cox

The video discusses circular reasoning, using the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) case as an example. It explains how VMI's exclusion of women was justified through circular logic, which was challenged in court. The Supreme Court eventually ruled against VMI, highlighting the flaws in their reasoning. The video also provides historical context and examples of circular reasoning, emphasizing the importance of questioning assumptions.

What is circular reasoning?

• A type of logical fallacy that involves irrelevant information

• An argument that uses its conclusion as evidence

• A way to strengthen an argument with additional data

• A method of scientific inquiry

What historical example is used to illustrate circular reasoning?

• The discovery of the solar system

• The development of modern physics

• The theory of Earth's central position in the universe

• The invention of the telescope

What was the main argument of the state of Virginia in the VMI case?

• Women should be admitted to VMI to promote equality

• The exclusion of women is not a governmental objective

• Single-sex education is essential for VMI's mission

• VMI's methods would improve with female students

How does circular reasoning relate to assumptions?

• It eliminates assumptions from arguments

• It clarifies assumptions with logical reasoning

• It relies on assumptions as if they were facts

• It challenges assumptions by providing evidence

Why is circular reasoning considered a logical fallacy?

• It provides too much evidence

• It assumes the conclusion is true without proof

• It uses irrelevant information

• It strengthens the argument with additional data

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling on the VMI case?

• VMI was allowed to continue its single-sex policy

• The case was dismissed without a ruling

• VMI was required to admit women

• The ruling was in favor of maintaining gender exclusion

What did Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg highlight in her ruling?

• The circular reasoning used by Virginia

• The need for more evidence in the case

• The benefits of excluding women from VMI

• The importance of single-sex education