Evaluating Argument Strengths Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Evaluating Argument Strengths flashcards as text
An editorial argues: 'We should not listen to Dr. Smith's views on climate change because she once worked for an oil company.' Which flaw does this commit?
Answer: Ad hominem
Dismissing an argument based on the speaker's background rather than the argument's content is an ad hominem fallacy.
Which of the following is an example of a valid deductive argument?
Answer: All mammals breathe air; whales are mammals; therefore whales breathe air
This syllogism is valid because if the premises are true, the conclusion must follow necessarily.
A lawyer argues: 'My client must be innocent because the prosecution has not proven guilt beyond reasonable doubt.' Is this argument sound in the legal context?
Answer: Yes, because the legal standard requires the prosecution to bear the burden of proof
In criminal law, the prosecution bears the burden of proof; failing to meet that standard legally justifies acquittal.
An argument uses the following structure: 'Either you support this policy or you don't care about children.' This is an example of which fallacy?
Answer: False dichotomy
The false dichotomy presents only two options when many intermediate or alternative positions exist.
Which of the following would most strengthen an argument that a new drug reduces hospital readmission rates?
Answer: A randomized controlled trial showed significantly lower readmission in the drug group versus placebo
A randomized controlled trial with a placebo group provides the strongest causal evidence for the drug's effectiveness.
Argument: 'Thousands of people cannot be wrong—this restaurant must be excellent.' Which flaw is present?
Answer: Appeal to popularity
An appeal to popularity assumes that widespread belief or practice validates a claim, which is logically insufficient.
In evaluating an argument's strength, what does 'cogency' require for an inductive argument?
Answer: The argument must be strong and all premises must be true
A cogent inductive argument is both inductively strong (premises make conclusion likely) and has all true premises.