WorksheetsArgument Types
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 20mins
If life on Earth is simply the result of natural processes, then we should not be surprised to find other forms of life on other planets. Life is the result of natural processes. It follows thus that we should expect to find other forms of life on other planets.
Modus Ponens
If P, then Q
P
Therefore: Q
Modus Tollens
If P, then Q
Not Q Therefore: Not P
Disjunctive Syllogism
P or Q
Not P Therefore: Q
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
Either studying philosophy is corrupting the soul of young people, or it is the path to true wisdom. Young people are corrupted by their desire for sex, money, or fame but certainly not by studying philosophy. So studying philosophy must indeed be the path to true wisdom.
Enumerative
All observed P are F
Therefore: All P are F
Modus Tollens
If P, then Q
Not Q Therefore: Not P
Disjunctive Syllogism
P or Q
Not P Therefore: Q
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
We humans love to think that we are special beings in this universe. However, if you really think about it, we humans are just like machines. Of course, we are rather complicated machines, but that doesn't change the fact that we are machines. It is clear, of course, that machines can never have free will. It follows therefore that we humans have no free will as well.
Enumerative
All observed P are F
Therefore: All P are F
Argument by Analogy
F is like P
P has property A
Therefore: F has property A
Inference to the Best Explanation
P
The best explanation for P is A
Therefore: A
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
If God exists, then innocent beings would not be suffering in the world. However, innocent beings do suffer. It follows therefore that God doesn't exist.
Enumerative
All observed P are F
Therefore: All P are F
Modus Tollens
If P, then Q
Not Q Therefore: Not P
Disjunctive Syllogism
P or Q
Not P Therefore: Q
Inference to the Best Explanation
P
The best explanation for P is A
Therefore: A
I talked to Maja yesterday and found out that she doesn't believe in God. She also told me that she is very frustrated and unhappy. Billy and his brother Jim are frustrated and unhappy as well, and they, too, are atheists. I conclude therefore that atheists everywhere are frustrated and unhappy with their lives.
Enumerative
All observed P are F
Therefore: All P are F
Argument by Analogy
F is like P
P has property A
Therefore: F has property A
Inference to the Best Explanation
P
The best explanation for P is A
Therefore: A
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
I went to Professor Hogan's office hours yesterday, but there was a long line of students waiting for him. I eventually gave up waiting. I think the best explanation of why so many students were waiting outside Professor Hogan's office is that he must have given them bad grades. I conclude therefore that Professor Hogan is a hard grader.
Modus Tollens
If P, then Q
Not Q Therefore: Not P
Argument by Analogy
F is like P
P has property A
Therefore: F has property A
Inference to the Best Explanation
P
The best explanation for P is A
Therefore: A
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
If being an altruist is a necessary condition for being moral, I have to conclude that I am not moral, for it is clear to me that I am not an altruist.
Modus Ponens
If P, then Q
P
Therefore: Q
Modus Tollens
If P, then Q
Not Q Therefore: Not P
Disjunctive Syllogism
P or Q
Not P Therefore: Q
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
The universe is really just like a complicated clock. But every clock has a maker. It follows therefore that the universe has to have a maker as well.
Enumerative
All observed P are F
Therefore: All P are F
Argument by Analogy
F is like P
P has property A
Therefore: F has property A
Inference to the Best Explanation
P
The best explanation for P is A
Therefore: A
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
My first marriage ended when I told my wife about an affair. My second marriage ended when my wife found out that I had had a fling. I conclude therefore that my third marriage will end as well if my third wife ever finds out that I am cheating again.
Enumerative
All observed P are F
Therefore: All P are F
Modus Tollens
If P, then Q
Not Q Therefore: Not P
Disjunctive Syllogism
P or Q
Not P Therefore: Q
Inference to the Best Explanation
P
The best explanation for P is A
Therefore: A
How did the universe get started? Scientists tell us that it all started with the big bang. But what caused the big bang? I think the best explanation is that God caused the big bang. I conclude therefore that God probably exists.
Enumerative
All observed P are F
Therefore: All P are F
Argument by Analogy
F is like P
P has property A
Therefore: F has property A
Inference to the Best Explanation
P
The best explanation for P is A
Therefore: A
Hypothetical Syllogism
If P, then Q
If Q, then R Therefore: If P, then R
