WorksheetsWhat is a (good) argument?
Total questions: 9
Worksheet time: 3mins
(I) In logic, the term "argument" implies some kind of emotional confrontation, like when I say that "my parents got into an argument last night".
True
False
"An argument is a set of claims, or statements."
Is this enough to count as a proper definition of an argument?
Yes, it's enough
No. it is not enough
"Whales are mammals, so of course they breathe air."
This argument relies on an implicit (unstated) premise in order to infer the conclusion. Choose the best candidate for this implicit premise.
Whales are mammals
Mammals are whales
Whales breathe aiir
Mammals breathe air
1. All mammals breathe air.
2. Whales are mammals.
Therefore, whales breathe air.
When we write an argument like this, making each premise explicit, writing them on separate lines and distinguishing them from the conclusion, it's called "putting an argument in ________".
standard form
natural language
By definition, if an argument is successful at persuading its intended audience to accept the conclusion, then it’s a good argument.
True
False
One way an argument can fail to be good is if it relies on a false premise.
True
False
Another way an argument can fail to be good is if the conclusion doesn’t follow from the premises.
True
False
1. All tigers are mammals.
2. Tony is a mammal.
Therefore, Tony is a tiger.
This is a bad argument.
Why?
It relies on a false premise
The conclusion doesn't follow from the premises
1. All musicians are wealthy.
2. Johnny is a musician.
Therefore, Johnny is wealthy.
Select the best answer.
The argument is bad because one of the premises is false
The argument is bad because the conclusion doesn't follow from the premises
The argument is bad for BOTH of the above reasons
The argument is good
