Argument Evaluation Flashcards

A newspaper editorial argues: 'Either we ban all handguns or violent crime will continue to rise.' Which fallacy does this commit?

Answer: False dilemma

Presenting only two options when others exist is a false dilemma (false dichotomy).

Which of the following most weakens the argument that raising the minimum wage causes unemployment?

Answer: Studies of cities that raised minimum wage show no significant increase in unemployment

Empirical data showing no unemployment rise after minimum wage increases directly contradicts the causal claim.

An author writes: 'This diet must be effective because thousands of customers have left five-star reviews.' This reasoning is flawed because:

Answer: It relies on anecdotal appeal and ignores confirmation bias in self-reported reviews

Self-selected positive reviews reflect confirmation bias and are not controlled evidence of effectiveness.

If an argument is 'begging the question,' this means:

Answer: The conclusion is used as a premise to support itself

Begging the question (petitio principii) occurs when the conclusion is assumed within the premises.

Which of the following represents an appeal to authority that is logically legitimate rather than fallacious?

Answer: A Nobel Prize-winning economist testifies on monetary policy within their research field

Appealing to a genuine expert within their area of expertise is a legitimate use of authority.

A researcher notes that ice cream sales and drowning rates both rise in summer and concludes ice cream causes drowning. The actual explanation is:

Answer: A confounding variable (hot weather) explains both trends

A third variable (heat driving both swimming and ice cream consumption) explains the correlation without causation.

Which technique best identifies the main conclusion of a complex passage?

Answer: Find the claim that all other statements are designed to support

The main conclusion is the claim that the premises and evidence collectively work to establish.