Philosophy Quiz 2

What does "Reporter Slanting" mean?

"Reporter slanting" refers to the bias or subjective perspective that a reporter or journalist may inject into their news coverage. It's like when a reporter presents information in a way that favors a particular viewpoint or agenda, rather than providing an objective and balanced account of the facts. It's important to be aware of slanting and seek out diverse sources to get a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.

Literary Analogy and Argument by Analogy

A literary analogy is a comparison between two different things in literature to help convey a deeper meaning. It's like when a writer uses a metaphor or simile to draw a parallel between two unrelated concepts. On the other hand, an argument by analogy is when someone uses a comparison between two similar situations to support their argument. It's like saying, "If A and B are similar in certain ways, and A has a certain outcome, then B will likely have a similar outcome." It's a way to reason by drawing connections between different scenarios.

What is a Rhetorical Move?

A rhetorical move refers to a strategic or persuasive technique used in communication to influence or engage the audience. It can involve various methods such as asking rhetorical questions, using metaphors, or employing emotional appeals to make a point. It's like using a clever tactic to get your message across effectively.

Ad hominem and Tu-Quoque

Ad hominem is when someone attacks the character or personal traits of an individual instead of addressing the argument or issue at hand. It's like saying, "You're wrong because you're a terrible person." Tu quoque, on the other hand, is when someone tries to dismiss an argument by pointing out that the person making the argument is hypocritical or inconsistent. It's like saying, "You can't criticize me for lying when you've lied before too." Both are fallacies that divert attention from the actual argument being made.

What makes an argument by analogy a strong argument? Give atleast 2 reasons to support your answer

An argument by analogy can be considered strong for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it allows us to draw connections and find similarities between different situations, making complex ideas easier to understand. Secondly, it can provide a persuasive and relatable way to present information, as it appeals to our existing knowledge and experiences. By using familiar examples, an argument by analogy can help us grasp new concepts and make informed decisions.

For the following claim devise an argument using the fallacy shown in parentheses. Make it as persuasive as possible. a. Internet pornography can destroy the country (slippery slope)

I understand that you have concerns about internet pornography, but it is important to approach this topic with a logical perspective. While it is true that excessive consumption of any form of media can have negative effects, it is a fallacy to claim that internet pornography can single-handedly destroy an entire country. It is crucial to consider a range of factors and address the issue responsibly, focusing on education, awareness, and support rather than making extreme and unsubstantiated claims. Let's promote a balanced and evidence-based approach to this complex issue.

Why is it important for the sample to be representative?

It's important for the sample to be representative because it ensures that the data collected accurately reflects the larger population. If the sample is not representative, the conclusions drawn from it may not be applicable or accurate for the entire population. It's like getting a fair and accurate snapshot of the whole picture.

What is "Gambler's Fallacy"?

The "Gambler's Fallacy" is the belief that previous outcomes in a random event will affect future outcomes. It's like thinking that if a coin has landed on heads multiple times in a row, it's more likely to land on tails next. In reality, each coin toss is independent and the probability remains the same. It's important to remember that chance events don't have a memory.

Indicate whether it follows Mill's method of agreement, difference, or joint or correlation. a. Getting the endorsement of the teachers union in this town is absolutely essential to being elected to the school board in the city. No one has ever won a seat on the school board without the endorsement from the teachers union._____ b. Just 5 people got A's on the midterm exam. The only common factor in their success is that they all studied the night before and reviewed their notes before wal

The argument follows Mill's method of agreement. It identifies the common factor of getting the endorsement of the teachers union and concludes that it is essential for being elected to the school board. b. The argument follows Mill's method of agreement. It identifies the common factor of studying the night before and reviewing notes, and concludes that it contributed to their success on the midterm exam. c. The argument follows Mill's method of correlation. It observes the connection between education level and salary, noting that higher education levels are likely to result in higher salaries. d. The argument follows Mill's method of difference. It compares the outcomes of using Lather-Up and Brand X germicidal soaps under the same conditions, finding that Lather-Up resulted in no germs while Brand X did. This difference supports the conclusion that Lather-Up is better.

What is the fallacy of "Appeal to Emotion?"

The fallacy of "Appeal to Emotion" occurs when someone tries to persuade others by using emotional manipulation instead of logical reasoning. It's like when someone tries to sway your opinion by appealing to your feelings rather than presenting solid evidence or valid arguments. It's important to be aware of this fallacy and evaluate arguments based on their merits, not just on how they make us feel.

What is the purpose of Inductive Reasoning?

The purpose of inductive reasoning is to make generalizations or conclusions based on specific observations or patterns. It helps us form hypotheses and make predictions about future events or situations.

Target Population and Sample Population

The target population refers to the entire group or population that a study or research aims to generalize findings to. It's like the big group you want to learn about. On the other hand, a sample population is a smaller subset of the target population that is actually studied or surveyed. It's like a representative group chosen to gather data from. The sample population should ideally be representative of the target population to ensure accurate findings.

Based on the stated claims would you accept, reject, or proportion belief to evidence? Explain why for each claim your reasoning for acceptance, rejection or proportion belief to evidence. a. The highway speed in New York is 65 mph b. Fifteen women have died after smelling a free perfume sample that they received in the mail. c. In Russia, people live to be 150 years old. d. NASA found evidence of life on Mars

a. I would accept the claim that the highway speed in New York is 65 mph. This is a factual claim that can be easily verified through official sources or traffic regulations. b. I would proportion belief to evidence for the claim that fifteen women have died after smelling a free perfume sample. It is a serious claim that requires further investigation and evidence to determine its validity. Without additional information or reliable sources, it is difficult to accept or reject the claim outright. c. I would reject the claim that in Russia, people live to be 150 years old. This claim goes against the current scientific understanding of human lifespan and longevity. The maximum documented human lifespan is around 120 years, and there is no credible evidence to support the idea that people in Russia or anywhere else live to be 150 years old. d. I would proportion belief to evidence for the claim that NASA found evidence of life on Mars. This is a significant claim that would require r

Identify the sample and relevant property in each argument. a. Two hundred samples of water taken from many sites all along the Charles River show unsafe concentrations of toxic chemicals. Obviously, the water in Charles River is unsafe. Sample: Relevant Property: b. Americans are quite satisfied with the administrations recent foreign policy decisions. An instant poll conducted yesterday on the CNN website got 1500 response from site visitors and 95 percent of them said that the

a. Sample: Two hundred samples of water taken from many sites all along the Charles River. Relevant Property: Unsafe concentrations of toxic chemicals. b. Sample: An instant poll conducted yesterday on the CNN website with 1500 responses from site visitors. Relevant Property: 95 percent of respondents said that American foreign policy was on the right track.

Identify if the following argument is an example of literary analogy or argument by analogy. a. George has loved every Chevrolet he has owned in the past five years. So he will probably love the Chevrolet he bought yesterday.______ b. Thinking is like a game of chess, in which every piece is related to every other, and every move is part of the realization of a hundred possible strategies._____

a. The argument is an example of an argument by analogy. It draws a comparison between George's past experience with Chevrolet cars and his potential future experience with the Chevrolet he bought yesterday. b. The statement is an example of a literary analogy. It compares thinking to a game of chess to illustrate the interconnectedness and strategic nature of the thought process

Indicate if the argument is literary or argument by analogy. a. I like sausage, and I like ham, and I like pork chops. So I will like chitlings.______ b. The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. ________

a. The argument is an example of an argument by analogy. It draws a comparison between the person's liking for sausage, ham, and pork chops and their potential liking for chitlings. b. The statement is an example of a literary analogy. It compares the moon to a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas to create a vivid and imaginative description.

Identify the irrelevant fallacy present in each of the following arguments a. Of course death penalty is a just punishment. It has been used for centuries. _______ b. Only man has morals. No woman is a man. Therefore, no woman has morals.________ c. You can safely ignore Helena's argument for women's rights, she works for the National organisation of women.________ d. Children were asked to recite the pledge of allegiance every day and to include the phrase "under God. " That was dead wrong

a. The irrelevant fallacy in the first argument is an appeal to tradition. Just because something has been done for a long time doesn't necessarily make it just or right. b. The irrelevant fallacy in the second argument is a hasty generalization. It makes a broad generalization about all women based on the premise that no woman is a man. c. The irrelevant fallacy in the third argument is an ad hominem attack. Dismissing Helena's argument based on her affiliation with a specific organization is irrelevant to the validity of her argument. d. The irrelevant fallacy in the fourth argument is a slippery slope. It assumes that reciting the pledge of allegiance with the phrase "under God" leads to brainwashing, which is not necessarily true.

Name the Rhetorical move persuader used in the following claims. a. We are sorry your dog has passed on.__________ b. You think Fox News is fair and balanced? Ha!____________

a. The rhetorical move used in the first claim is expressing empathy or sympathy. b. The rhetorical move used in the second claim is sarcasm or ridicule.

Read the passage and complete as directed. John Smith a reporter for the local news wrote in his column: "Joe was wearing an evil grin on his face when he was captured, he has to be the goon who committed the recent central Park mugging. Such people are scum and don't deserve to live." a. Who is the source of the story? b. Are there any instances of biased or loaded language? c. Is the write-up slanted toward or against a person? How? d. Would you accept, reject or proportion belief to t

a. The source of the story is John Smith, a reporter for the local news. b. Yes, there are instances of biased or loaded language in the write-up. The use of terms like "evil grin," "goon," and "scum" carries a negative and judgmental connotation. c. The write-up is slanted against a person, specifically Joe, who is presumed to be guilty based on his expression and labeled as someone who doesn't deserve to live. d. I would proportion belief to this claim. The writer's conclusion is based solely on Joe's expression, without any concrete evidence or investigation. It is important to have proper evidence and due process before making such strong accusations or judgments.

Name the unacceptable fallacy present in each of the following arguments. a. Either we fire this guy or we send a clear message to other employees that it is okay to be late to work. Clearly, we need to fire him._________ b. Dogs are warm blooded, nurse their young, and give birth to puppies. Humans are warm-blooded and nurse their young. Therefore, humans give birth to puppies too.__________ c. I used to work for this engineering major. And man they are so socially inept.________ d. All of

a. The unacceptable fallacy in the first argument is a false dilemma or false dichotomy. It presents a situation as having only two options when, in reality, there may be other alternatives or solutions. b. The unacceptable fallacy in the second argument is a faulty analogy. It draws a comparison between dogs and humans based on some similarities, but ignores the fundamental biological differences between the two species. c. The unacceptable fallacy in the third argument is a hasty generalization. It makes a sweeping generalization about all engineering majors based on the personal experience of working with one individual. d. The unacceptable fallacy in the fourth argument is a non sequitur. It presents a conclusion that does not logically follow from the premise. The fact that not everyone can be the focus of deep love does not mean that none of us can be loved at all.