Logic practice test 1

Which of the following substitutions proves the argument in Problem 20 invalid? (what do the letters stand for)

C=cats, F=mammals, S=animals

If the Big Bang theory is correct, then the universe is billions of years old. And if the Big Bang theory is correct, then the universe was not created in six days. Thus, if the universe is billions of years old, then it was not created in six days. is this an inductive or deductive argument?

Deductive argument

If mobile phone services monitor text messages, then freedom of speech is threatened. Thus, freedom of speech is not threatened, because mobile phone services do not monitor text messages. Which of the following correctly expresses the form of this argument? (counter-example)

If M then F. Not M Not F

Canada is similar in many ways to the United States. Both countries share the same language, values, and a free market economy. Also, they share a common border. Therefore, the Canadian flag must look a lot like the U.S. flag. Is this an inductive or deductive argument?

Inductive argument

The engraved plate beneath this painting in the art museum says "Monet." Therefore, the painting must be the work of Monet. Is this an inductive or deductive argument?

Inductive argument

James Bloomfield, the widely respected expert on art authentication, says that the painting recently discovered in the basement of the art museum is a genuine Picasso. Therefore, we conclude that the painting is indeed a genuine Picasso. is this an inductive or deductive argument? is it strong/weak or valid/invalid?

Inductive, strong

Which of the following substitutions proves the argument in Problem 22 invalid? (what do the letters stand for)

M= Abraham Lincoln was beheaded F= Abraham Lincoln is dead

Some cashmere sweaters are fashionable garments, so some cashmere sweaters are not suede jackets, for some suede jackets are not fashionable garments. Which of the following correctly expresses the form of this argument? (counter-example)

Some S are not F. Some C are F. Some C are not S.

To focus on the performance of the stock market is to zero in on an economic indicator that can do well even as the country does poorly. In 2006, for instance, the Dow Jones industrial average hit highs. According to the just released census data, however, median earnings fell one percent, and millions more Americans entered the ranks of the uninsured. Indeed, from 2000 to 2007 the S&P 500 gained more than 500 points. Meanwhile, the median household income fell by more than $900. The conclusion is.... a) According to the just released..ranks of the uninsured. b) To focus on the performance...the country does poorly. c) In 2006, for instance, the Dow Jones...hit highs. d) Meanwhile...fell by more than $900.

To focus on the performance.... the country does poorly.

Children should be seen and not heard. Therefore, it was wrong for that drowning child to scream for help. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Accident. b. No fallacy. c. Begging the question. d. Hasty generalization. e. False dichotomy.

a) accident

You had better believe in God, because if you don't, then you'll suffer the torment of eternal damnation. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a) appeal to force b) missing the point c) appeal to pity d) no fallacy e) argument against the person, cicumstantial

a) appeal to force

Can you believe that some parents want to control their kids' access to the Internet? Who are these autocrats who insist on imposing their views on others? This country was born in a spirit of freedom and self determination. Countless patriots have died to preserve our sacred values. We must cherish those values! We must nurture them in our children! End all mind control now and forever! What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Appeal to the people. b. No fallacy. c. Red herring. d. Slippery slope. e. Begging the question.

a) appeal to the people

Professor Smyth argues for the adoption of stronger standards covering food imported from China. But Smyth is a disgusting leftist ex hippie who reportedly has sex with his female students. Smyth's arguments are trash, just as he is. What type of fallacy is it, if there is one? a)argument against the person, abusive b) red herring c) appeal to unqualified authority d) you too, ( tu quoque) e) no fallacy

a) argument against the person, abusive

Dr. David Sherman of the National Skin Cancer Society reports that tanning salons pose a serious risk for skin cancer. Therefore, we should consider legislation to regulate the tanning industry. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. No fallacy. b. False cause. c. Appeal to unqualified authority. d. False dichotomy. e. Appeal to the people.

a) no fallacy

No spoiled brats are good childhood companions. Therefore, no good childhood companions are spoiled brats. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. No fallacy. b. Red herring. c. Begging the question. d. False dichotomy. e. Amphiboly.

a) no fallacy

Humans are biological organisms. To understand our behavior and mental processes, we need to understand their biological underpinnings, starting with the cellular level, the neuron. How we feel, learn, remember, and think all stem from neuronal activity. So, how a neuron works and how neurons communicate are crucial pieces of information in solving the puzzle of human behavior and mental processing. Is this a nonargument or argument?

argument

The earth is of interest to astronomy for many reasons. Nearly all observations must be made through the atmosphere, and the phenomena of the upper atmosphere and the magnetosphere reflect the state of interplanetary space. The earth is also the most important object of comparison for planetologists. Is this a nonargument or argument?

argument

Mr. Quigley, who is a lobbyist for the oil industry, says that the government should subsidize oil exploration. In view of Mr. Quigley's credentials, it follows that the government should certainly do this. What type of fallacy is this, if there is one? a) false cause b) appeal to unqualified authority c) no fallacy d) begging the question e) argument against the person, circumstantial

b) Appeal to unqualified authority

This cherry pie is delicious. Therefore, every ingredient in this pie is delicious. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Appeal to the people. b. Division. c. Composition. d. Appeal to fear. e. No fallacy.

b) Division

Astronomers study stars. Nicole Kidman is a star. Therefore, astronomers study Nicole Kidman. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. begging the question b. Equivocation. c. Amphiboly. d. No fallacy. e. Composition.

b) equivocation

Every squirrel that has ever been observed likes nuts. Therefore, probably every squirrel likes nuts. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. False cause. b. No fallacy. c. Missing the point. d. Hasty generalization. e. Weak analogy.

b) no fallacy

The Ionic Blast hairdryer does a great job removing the frizz from Francesca's hair. Therefore, since Gabriella's hair is virtually identical to Francesca's, probably the Ionic Blast would do a good job removing the frizz from Gabriella's hair. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a) slippery slope b) no fallacy c) false cause d) appeal to unqualified authority e) weak analogy

b) no fallacy

Global warming has never been a big problem in the past. Therefore, it won't be a big problem in the future. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Accident. b. Suppressed evidence. c. False cause. d. Equivocation. e. No fallacy.

b) suppressed evidence

The loss of arctic ice is accelerating as a result of a form of positive feedback. As arctic ice melts, the arctic icecap reflects fewer rays from the sun. When this happens, more rays are absorbed by the surrounding ocean, which increases its temperature. As the temperature of the ocean rises, more arctic ice melts. The conclusion is... a) When this happens...which increases its temperature. b) As the temperature of the ocean rises...ice melts. c) The loss of arctic ice...positive feedback. d) As arctic ice melts...fewer rays from the sun.

c) The loss of arctic ice....positive feedback

The president of our college has promised to stop drinking on campus. Apparently the president has a drinking problem. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Equivocation. b. Appeal to unqualified authority. c. Amphiboly. d. No fallacy. e. Suppressed evidence.

c) amphiboly

Every member of the Viking Society was born in Norway. Therefore, the Viking Society was born in Norway. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a) no fallacy b) complex question c) composition d) equivocation e) division

c) composition

While driving on the freeway a big truck cut me off when it changed lanes. A few days earlier another truck tailgated me, and yet another refused to dim its lights. The conclusion is obvious that truckers these days are as rude as they are reckless. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Appeal to the people. b. Missing the point. c. Hasty generalization. d. No fallacy. e. Appeal to unqualified authority.

c) hasty generalization

The Northern Express railway train is headed north. Therefore, every car on that train is headed north. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Begging the question. b. Hasty generalization. c. No fallacy. d. Missing the point. e. Division.

c) no fallacy

Your little Tommy wants a slingshot for his birthday, but you shouldn't give him one. If you do, next he'll want a B-B gun. Then a 22 rifle. After that it will be a high powered rifle, and then an Uzi and an AK-47. Soon he'll want a bazooka and after that an antiaircraft gun. In no time your home will become an armory. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. No fallacy. b. Missing the point. c. Slippery slope. d. False cause. e. Red herring.

c) slippery slope

Those boarding a city bus are never required to pass through a security checkpoint. Therefore, those boarding an airliner should not be required to pass through a security checkpoint. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Begging the question. b. False cause. c. Weak analogy. d. No fallacy. e. Missing the point.

c) weak analogy

It is likely that innocent prisoners in this country have been executed for crimes they did not commit. From 1973 until 2007, 124 death row inmates have been exonerated. In many of these cases DNA evidence played a crucial role. Yet, in that same time frame, more than 1000 prisoners were executed. For many of these prisoners no DNA evidence was available. If such evidence had been available, how may more would have been exonerated? The conclusion is..... a) In many of these cases...played a crucial role. b) From 1973...have been exonerated. c) For many of these prisoners...was available. d) It is likely that innocent prisoners...they did not commit.

d) It is likely that innocent prisoners...they did not commit

Prior to their extinction, Neanderthals had been widespread in Europe for 100,000 years. Then 50,000 years ago, modern humans moved into Europe from Africa. Twenty-six thousand years after that the last Neanderthal died. At one time it was thought that the Neanderthals were killed by climate change, but this theory has now been discounted. So why did the Neanderthals perish? Probably they were killed by the humans. The conclusion is..... a) Then 50,000 years ago...Europe from Africa. b) At one time it was thought...now been discounted. c) Prior to their extinction...100,000 years. d) Probably they were killed by humans.

d) Probably they were killed by the humans.

Karen argues that it's not right to post the photographs of convicted child molesters on the Internet. Obviously Karen supports child molestation. But these monsters have completely ruined the lives of thousands of children. They can't be allowed to wreak their havoc any longer. Clearly, Karen's argument is misguided. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a) missing the point b) no fallacy c) red herring d) straw man e) argument against the person, circumstantial

d) Straw man

If cleaner cars are produced, then there will be fewer greenhouse gasses. There will be fewer greenhouse gasses. Therefore, cleaner cars will be produced. What type of fallacy and characteristics? a. This argument contains a fallacy of ambiguity. b. This argument contains no fallacy. c. This argument contains a fallacy of weak induction. d. This argument contains a formal fallacy. e. This argument contains a fallacy of grammatical analogy.

d) This argument contains a formal fallacy

Members of the jury, surely you will not find defendant Carlos guilty of burglary. Carlos is a visitor from our neighbor to the south, where he has eight young brothers and sisters. Those poor kids and their impoverished mother live a desperate hand-to-mouth existence. Carlos was hoping only to send a few more dollars home to ease their suffering. In the name of humanity, you must vote to acquit this caring brother. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Slippery slope. b. No fallacy. c. Missing the point. d. Appeal to pity. e. Red herring.

d) appeal to pity

Eddie, one of your friends was asking about you the other day. He wanted to know if you were still having sex with 14-year-old girls. What should I tell him the next time I see him? Are you still doing it? What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Begging the question. b. No fallacy. c. Straw man. d. Complex question. e. Appeal to force.

d) complex question

The number of alcoholics has risen steadily for the past 20 years, and so has the number of treatment centers. Therefore, to cut down on alcoholism we should eliminate the treatment centers. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Appeal to ignorance. b. Equivocation. c. Weak analogy. d. False cause. e. No fallacy.

d) false cause

By accident Shelley left her old fashioned flashlight turned on all night. Therefore, it's likely that the batteries are dead. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. False cause. b. Appeal to pity. c. Hasty generalization. d. No fallacy. e. Suppressed evidence.

d) no fallacy

No drug cartels are legal operations, so no legal operations are enterprises that engage in smuggling, because all drug cartels are enterprises that engage in smuggling. is this an inductive or deductive argument?

deductive argument

Some preachers are evangelists, so some preachers are TV personalities, since some evangelists are TV personalities. is this an inductive or deductive argument? is it strong/weak or invalid/valid?

deductive, invalid

Brandon is a polytheist. Therefore, he believes in more than one god. is this an inductive or deductive argument? is it strong/weak or invalid/valid?

deductive, valid

Either you spend $200 on a pair of True Religion jeans, or everybody will think you're out of style. It's up to you. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a) suppressed evidence b) accident c) appeal to force d) no fallacy e) false dichotomy

e) False dichotomy

Nobody has ever proved that the Big Bang theory of the universe is true. Therefore, we must conclude that the Big Bang theory is false. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Complex question. b. Composition. c. No fallacy. d. Missing the point. e. Appeal to ignorance.

e) appeal to ignorance

The government has no right to spy on its citizens because citizens have a right to privacy. And this is true because such a right is guaranteed by the constitution—which follows from the fact that our founding fathers recognized the sanctity of individual privacy against the intrusive power of the government. And of course this is true because the government has no right to spy on its citizens. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. No fallacy. b. Red herring. c. Slippery slope. d. Missing the point. e. Begging the question.

e) begging the question

Either Kansas or Ohio is situated on the Mississippi River. But Ohio is not on the Mississippi. Therefore, it must be Kansas. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Suppressed evidence. b. Weak analogy. c. False dichotomy. d. Amphiboly. e. No fallacy.

e) no fallacy

Every tile on this kitchen floor is light blue in color. Therefore, the entire floor is light blue in color. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a) division b) begging the question c) composition d) amphiboly e) no fallacy

e) no fallacy

Pet owners argue for a law to ensure that pet food is free of lethal contaminants. Apparently they are unaware that half the children of the world eat contaminated food and drink polluted water every day. Thousands of these kids die regularly from cholera. The nations of the world should unite to halt this ongoing tragedy. In the mean time, we can forget about pets. What type of fallacy, if there is one? a. Argument against the person, abusive. b. Complex question. c. No fallacy. d. Straw man. e. Red herring.

e) red herring

As the universe expands, it gets colder and colder. Furthermore, this expansion will continue for ever and ever. Therefore, at some point in the future the universe will become too cold to support human life, and all humans will perish. is this an inductive or deductive argument?

inductive argument

After buying a pair of Blue Atlas jeans, Carter was disappointed to find that they fell apart after only one month. The same thing happened to Jeff, Mario, and Ralph. Apparently Blue Atlas jeans don't hold up very well. is this an inductive or deductive argument? is it strong/weak or invalid/valid?

inductive, strong

When Jack took his car in for service, the mechanic charged him for lots of work that didn't need to be done. The same thing happened to Niki and Claire. Apparently mechanics these days are just a bunch of crooks. is this an inductive or deductive argument? Is it strong/weak or invalid/valid?

inductive,weak

Harnessing the clean, abundant energy of the sun and wind is critical to solving the global warming problem. Technological advances have brought the cost of electricity generated by the wind down by 82 percent since 1981. Solar energy technology has made remarkable progress as new photovoltaic cells have been developed to convert even greater amounts of sunlight directly into electricity. Today the costs of wind and solar power are becoming competitive with dirty coal-fired plants. Is this a nonargument or argument?

nonargument

If the trade in tiger products is banned, tiger reserves are guarded by well equipped staff, communities abutting tiger habitat are given a stake in protecting tigers, and the makers of traditional medicines can be persuaded that tiger parts are not needed, then tiger poaching will be halted, habitat and life sustaining prey will be restored, and the immanent extinction of tigers in the wild will be averted. Is this a nonargument or argument?

nonargument

Numerous studies have indicated that women of color, black women in particular, are over-arrested, over-indicted, and over-sentenced. African-American women are seven times more likely to be arrested for prostitution than women of other ethnic groups. Black women have received significantly longer sentences for crimes against property and served longer periods in prison. For both murder and drug offenses, Euroamerican women ended up serving one-third less time for the same offenses than black women. Is this a nonargument or argument?

nonargument