CCTST Argument Assessment 3

Question 1

An argument form where the conclusion is already contained within one of the premises is called:

Accepted Answer

Begging the question (circular reasoning)

Answer

Circular reasoning (begging the question) occurs when an argument's conclusion is assumed in one of its premises, making it logically circular.

Question 2

Premise 1: If it rains, the ground gets wet. Premise 2: The ground is wet. Conclusion: Therefore, it rained. This argument commits which error?

Accepted Answer

Affirming the consequent

Answer

Affirming the consequent is the invalid form of reasoning where one concludes the antecedent (it rained) from the consequent (ground is wet), ignoring other possible causes.

Question 3

When assessing argument strength, 'counterexamples' are most useful for:

Accepted Answer

Showing that a universal generalization is false or a deductive argument is invalid

Answer

A single counterexample can refute a universal claim or demonstrate that a deductive argument form is invalid.

Question 4

Which best distinguishes an 'explanation' from an 'argument'?

Accepted Answer

An argument tries to prove a conclusion is true; an explanation tries to show why something already accepted as true is the case

Answer

Arguments provide reasons to accept a conclusion, while explanations account for why something known to be true occurred or is the case.

Question 5

A company's CEO says: 'Our new product must be safe because we have been making products for 50 years.' This is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

Appeal to tradition

Answer

The appeal to tradition (or longevity) fallacy assumes that because something has existed for a long time it must be acceptable or safe.

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test

CCTST Argument Assessment 3