Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Identifying Logical Fallacies Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Argument: 'Either we invest massively in military spending, or we will be invaded by foreign powers.' What fallacy does this commit?

Accepted Answer

False dilemma — it presents only two options when many middle-ground positions exist.

Answer

Ad hominem — it attacks those who disagree with military spending.

Answer

Slippery slope — it assumes one decision leads to an extreme outcome.

Answer

Straw man — it misrepresents the opposing view on military spending.

Question 2

Argument: 'This must be a good wine — it won the International Wine Competition in 2019.' What fallacy might this commit?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to authority — the award is treated as sufficient proof of quality without broader evidence.

Answer

Ad hominem — it dismisses critics who dislike the wine.

Answer

Hasty generalization — it uses a single award to judge all wines.

Answer

Red herring — the award distracts from the real question of flavor preference.

Question 3

A politician says: 'My opponent voted against increasing police budgets, which shows he doesn't care about public safety.' What fallacy is this?

Accepted Answer

Straw man — it misrepresents the opponent's position to make it easier to attack.

Answer

Slippery slope — the argument assumes budget cuts lead to crime increases.

Answer

False dilemma — it implies caring about safety requires increasing police budgets.

Answer

Circular reasoning — it assumes the conclusion in the premise.

Question 4

Argument: 'Thousands of people have bought this supplement, so it must be effective.' What fallacy does this commit?

Accepted Answer

Ad populum (bandwagon fallacy) — popularity is used as evidence of effectiveness.

Answer

Appeal to nature — the supplement is natural, so it must be safe.

Answer

Post hoc — the supplement was taken before recovery, so it caused recovery.

Answer

False dilemma — either take the supplement or remain unhealthy.

Question 5

Statement: 'We shouldn't take Dr. Lee's research on climate change seriously — she drives a large SUV.' What fallacy is this?

Accepted Answer

Tu quoque (appeal to hypocrisy) — attacking the person's behavior to discredit their argument.

Answer

Appeal to authority — Dr. Lee's credentials are being misused.

Answer

Slippery slope — Dr. Lee's SUV will lead to further environmental damage.

Answer

Hasty generalization — one researcher with an SUV represents all climate scientists.

Question 6

Argument: 'Alternative medicine has been practiced for thousands of years, which proves it is effective.' What type of fallacy is this?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to tradition — long historical use is treated as proof of effectiveness.

Answer

Ad hominem — it attacks critics of alternative medicine.

Answer

Equivocation — the term 'practiced' is used in two different senses.

Answer

Circular reasoning — effective medicine is defined as medicine that has been practiced.