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WorksheetsArguments in Action Higher Revision
Total questions: 18
Worksheet time: 26mins
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
Explain the main features of a 'slippery slope' argument (tick all that apply)
There is a claim that taking a course of action will inevitably lead to accepting a later and unappealing situation
Its a claim where there is NO logical connection between taking the initial course of action and the proposed unappealing results of this
Its when a course of action is proposed that will lead to an appealing result
Its when there is a logical connection between taking a course of action and the proposed unappealing results of this
What is the following fallacy?
"Don't you ever use the word smart with me! You barely passed your degree, in fact, I think you got the lowest pass rate in the whole class, so you have no right to use the word smart!"
Ad Hominem Tu Quoque
Ad Hominem Abusive
Ad Hominem Circumstantial
What is meant by confirmation bias? (click all that apply)
Seeking evidence that confirms what you already believe
Seeking evidence that opposes what you believe
Ignoring evidence that would disprove what you already believe
Ignoring evidence that would support what you already believe
Another term for ambiguity where one word has more than one meaning is known as:
Syntactic ambiguity
Lexical ambiguity
"I’m sure you will enjoy the holiday. I know you don’t like flying but you will have a great time when you get there. It’s just like last year when you took part in that talent show. Do you remember how nervous you were in the weeks leading up to the show? On the day you had so much fun."
Is the use of analogy in this argument effective? Explain
P1) Mary and Jim are left-handed and use left-handed scissors.
P2) Bill is also left-handed.
C) Therefore Bill also uses left-handed scissors.
What type of argmument is this?
Inductive
Deductive
Valid
Someone might use a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy to claim their prayers have been answered. Give an example of such an argument
What is meant by conductive strength?
A deductive argument that guarantees the conclusion
multiple premises that give independent support to the conlcusion
multiple premises that give a linked support to the conclusion
