Exam 1: Basic Concepts

Tattooing and body piercing pose serious health risks to those receiving them. The primary concern is infection with blood-born pathogens like H.I.V. and hepatitis. Bacteria that live on the skin are easily spread by unsterilized instruments or ungloved hands. And tongue and genital piercing can also provide channels for bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream after the piercing procedure. Lorraine Kreahling, "The Perils of Needles to the Body"

An argument whose conclusion rests on the definition of a word used in the premises is:

Which of the following words is not a conclusion indicator?

Since figure A is a square and the length of one of its sides is exactly one inch, it follows that its area is exactly one square inch.

The loss of arctic ice is accelerating as a result of a form of positive feedback. As arctic ice melts, the arctic icecap reflects fewer rays from the sun. When this happens, more rays are absorbed by the surrounding ocean, which increases its temperature. As the temperature of the ocean rises, more arctic ice melts.

Education in the United States is a system in crisis. Compared to their Asian and European counterparts, American students are poor academic performers, especially in sciences and in mathematics. Despite having received an education, millions of adults are functionally and culturally illiterate. Educational funding has been cut dramatically, and many school facilities are in dangerous states of disrepair. Michael P. Soroka and George J. Bryjak, Social Problems: A World at Risk

The aim of an experiment is not to prove that a hypothesis is correct. Rather, the aim is to demonstrate that it is highly probable that the hypothesis is correct. Researchers ask the question in the following way: "What is the probability that the results I have obtained could have been found by chance alone?" Hence, social psychology, like most other sciences, deals with probabilities rather than absolutes. Stephen Worchel, et al., Understanding Social Psychology, 5^th edition

Authoritarian states are characterized by strong central governments that fairly stringently limit the range of political activity. More often than not, they are one-party states, which means that only one party, that which supports the government, is allowed to engage in political activity. Free discussion and association are strictly curtailed in these systems. Anyone who might dare to criticize the government or to express ideas that are not in conformity with its policies can be severely punished, even by death. Robert A. Heineman, Political Science

Canada is similar in many ways to the United States. Both countries share the same language, values, and a free market economy. Also, they share a common border. Therefore, the Canadian flag must look a lot like the U.S. flag.

Either the painting is a forgery, or it's worth a small fortune. Therefore, the painting is worth a small fortune, since it's not a forgery.

The tag on this new sports coat says that the price is marked down to $49.95. Therefore, the current price must be $49.95.

After Scott started the engine in his old Chevy, the car backfired several times, and clouds of smoke came from the exhaust pipe. Apparently something must be wrong with the engine.

Liquids and solids expand only slightly when heated, whereas gases expand appreciably when heated. If the gas is not free to expand, its pressure rises when heated. Certain substances may melt, burn, boil, or explode, depending on their composition and structure. Thus, the thermal behavior of a substance is closely related to its structure. Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 4th ed.

Finance as we know it today grew out of and lies between economics and accounting. Economists developed the notion that an asset's value is based on the future cash flow the asset will provide. Accountants provided the information about the likely size of those cash flows. So, people who work in finance require knowledge of both economics and accounting. Eugene F. Brightman et al., Fundamentals of Financial Management.

The bumper sticker on that car says "Don't Waste Your Vote. Vote Libertarian." Therefore, it's clear that you should vote for Libertarian candidates in the next election.

Most of the students attending Shoreline Prep have extremely wealthy parents. Since Madeline is a student at Shoreline, it is likely that her parents are wealthy.

Which of the following are all nonarguments?

Louis graduated from college after Cheri, and Cheri graduated before Denise. Therefore, it follows necessarily that Louis graduated before Denise.

Natalie is a kleptomaniac. Therefore, she has a compulsion to steal things.

Which of the following are all premise indicators?