AA Philosophy and Critical Thinking 3

Question 1

Which fallacy assumes that because something has not been proven false, it must be true?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to ignorance

Answer

Appeal to authority

Answer

Hasty generalization

Answer

Circular reasoning

Question 2

John Stuart Mill's version of utilitarianism differs from Bentham's primarily because Mill:

Accepted Answer

Distinguished between higher and lower pleasures based on quality

Answer

Rejected the idea of maximizing happiness entirely

Answer

Applied utilitarianism only to government policy

Answer

Argued that intentions matter more than consequences

Question 3

What is the key feature of a 'circular argument' (begging the question)?

Accepted Answer

The conclusion is used as a premise to support itself

Answer

It uses emotional language to persuade

Answer

It relies on an appeal to popular opinion

Answer

It presents only two options when more exist

Question 4

The philosophical position that reality exists independently of minds perceiving it is called:

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Idealism

Answer

Solipsism

Answer

Phenomenalism

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the philosophical method of 'thought experiments'?

Accepted Answer

Hypothetical scenarios used to explore philosophical questions and test intuitions

Answer

Laboratory experiments conducted under controlled mental conditions

Answer

Meditation techniques to achieve higher states of consciousness

Answer

Statistical analysis of philosophical arguments

Question 6

Social contract theory, associated with Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, primarily addresses:

Accepted Answer

The implicit agreements underlying political authority and individual rights

Answer

Economic agreements between trading nations

Answer

Religious covenants between humans and God

Answer

Legal contracts in civil law

Question 7

The principle of 'Occam's Razor' in critical thinking states that:

Accepted Answer

Among competing hypotheses, the one with fewest assumptions should be preferred

Answer

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence

Answer

All knowledge must ultimately be grounded in sensory experience

Answer

Valid arguments must have at least two premises