BA Philosophy and Ethics 3

Question 1

A deductive argument is considered valid when:

Accepted Answer

If the premises are true, the conclusion must logically follow

Answer

Validity in deductive logic means the argument's structure guarantees that a true conclusion follows from true premises, regardless of whether the premises are actually true.

Question 2

The logical fallacy of 'ad hominem' occurs when someone:

Accepted Answer

Attacks the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself

Answer

Ad hominem (Latin for 'to the person') is a fallacy that redirects the argument from the claim being made to the character or credibility of the person making it.

Question 3

Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialism is best captured by the claim that:

Accepted Answer

Existence precedes essence, so humans create their own meaning through choices

Answer

Sartre argued that unlike manufactured objects (which have a predetermined purpose), humans first exist and then define their essence through free choices and actions.

Question 4

The philosophical principle known as 'Occam's Razor' advises that:

Accepted Answer

Among competing explanations, the one requiring fewer assumptions should be preferred

Answer

Occam's Razor (attributed to William of Ockham) is the principle of parsimony: entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity, favoring simpler explanations.

Question 5

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the development of pragmatism, the distinctly American philosophical tradition?

Accepted Answer

William James

Answer

William James, along with Charles Sanders Peirce and John Dewey, developed pragmatism, which holds that the truth or meaning of an idea lies in its practical consequences.

BA - Bachelor of Arts Degree Practice Test

BA - Bachelor of Arts Degree Practice Test

BA Philosophy and Ethics 3