TSA TSA Critical Thinking & Logical Reasoning 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

'You can't trust his economic analysis — he never finished college'

Answer

'This policy will lead to disaster because experts disagree'

Answer

'All swans are white because every swan I've seen is white'

Answer

'We must act now or face irreversible consequences'

Question 2

In TSA, a 'necessary condition' for an event means:

Accepted Answer

The condition must be present for the event to occur, but doesn't guarantee it

Answer

The condition alone is sufficient to cause the event

Answer

The condition is completely unrelated to the event

Answer

The condition ensures the event always happens

Question 3

Which of the following best represents inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Every sample tested contained the compound, so it is probably present throughout

Answer

All mammals are warm-blooded; whales are mammals; therefore whales are warm-blooded

Answer

If P then Q; P is true; therefore Q is true

Answer

The rule states X, and this case satisfies X, so the conclusion follows

Question 4

A student claims: 'No one has disproved my theory, so it must be correct.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Argument from ignorance

Answer

Appeal to authority

Answer

Slippery slope

Answer

False dichotomy

Question 5

What is a 'straw man' fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

Answer

Quoting an opponent accurately and then refuting them

Answer

Using emotional language to persuade an audience

Answer

Claiming that one event will inevitably lead to extreme consequences

Question 6

In evaluating an argument, 'scope' refers to:

Accepted Answer

How broadly or narrowly the conclusion applies

Answer

The tone of the writing

Answer

The length of the passage

Answer

The number of sources cited