Logical Reasoning and Evidence Flashcards

An argument that moves from specific observations to a general conclusion is called:

Answer: Inductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning draws general conclusions from specific observations or examples.

Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy called 'ad hominem'?

Answer: Your argument is invalid because you have no degree.

Ad hominem attacks the person making an argument rather than the argument itself.

Which type of evidence is considered the most objective in a scientific argument?

Answer: Empirical data

Empirical data collected through systematic observation or experiment is the most objective evidence.

If the conclusion of an argument must be true whenever its premises are true, the argument is:

Answer: Deductively valid

A deductively valid argument guarantees the conclusion if all premises are true.

Which statement correctly identifies a counterargument's role in writing?

Answer: It acknowledges and refutes an opposing viewpoint.

A counterargument acknowledges a conflicting view and then responds to or refutes it, strengthening the essay.

The logical fallacy that assumes because two events occurred in sequence, the first caused the second, is called:

Answer: Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Post hoc ergo propter hoc incorrectly concludes that correlation in time proves causation.