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

The appeal to ignorance (argumentum ad ignorantiam) incorrectly treats the absence of disproof as proof of truth.

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

Mill refined utilitarianism by arguing that intellectual and moral pleasures are qualitatively superior to mere physical pleasures, not just quantitatively greater.

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

Circular reasoning (petitio principii) occurs when the conclusion of an argument is used as one of the premises, providing no independent justification.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Realism holds that the external world exists independently of human perception or thought, in contrast to idealism which grounds reality in the mind.

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

Thought experiments are imagined scenarios used to explore the implications of philosophical positions or ethical principles, as in Plato's Ring of Gyges or Trolley Problem.

AA - Associate of Arts Practice Test

AA - Associate of Arts Practice Test

AA Philosophy and Critical Thinking 3