Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Identifying Logical Fallacies 4

Question 1

A commentator says: 'My colleague argues we should invest more in renewable energy. Apparently, he thinks we should shut down every fossil fuel plant immediately and destroy millions of jobs.' Which fallacy is this?

Accepted Answer

Straw man

Answer

The straw man exaggerates the colleague's actual position (more investment) into an extreme version (immediate shutdown) that is easier to attack.

Question 2

A company defends its labor practices by saying: 'Our overseas workers are paid fairly — they earn more than the average wage in their home country.' Which fallacy may be operating here?

Accepted Answer

Relative privation

Answer

Relative privation (also called 'appeal to worse problems') dismisses a concern by comparing it to a worse situation rather than addressing it on its merits.

Question 3

A speaker says: 'Laws must be followed. Jaywalking is against the law. Therefore, jaywalking is seriously wrong.' The argument equivocates on which term?

Accepted Answer

Wrong

Answer

The equivocation is on 'wrong' — it shifts from 'legally prohibited' (a technical sense) to 'morally wrong' (a normative sense) without justification.

Question 4

A researcher argues: 'Every expert I've consulted agrees climate change is real and human-caused. Therefore, the science is settled.' In critical thinking terms, what risk does this reasoning carry?

Accepted Answer

It relies on selective sampling of experts

Answer

Consulting only experts one already agrees with (confirmation bias in sampling) can make a false consensus appear unanimous, even if dissenting experts exist.

Question 5

A coach tells athletes: 'Pain is weakness leaving the body. So if training doesn't hurt, you're not getting stronger.' Which fallacy underlies this claim?

Accepted Answer

Equivocation on 'pain'

Answer

The phrase equivocates on 'pain,' conflating productive muscle stress with injury or excessive pain, both of which the word covers.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Identifying Logical Fallacies 4