Exam 1: What Is Science

Consider the following premise: "If theory T is correct, all rich countries will be democracies." If you wanted to demonstrate that theory T was wrong, what would you have to observe?

Major premise: If the president commits a criminal act, then he can be impeached. Minor premise: The president does not commit a criminal act. Conclusion: Therefore, the president cannot be impeached. Is a valid argument?

Major premise: If the president commits a criminal act, then he can be impeached. Minor premise: The president does not commit a criminal act. Conclusion: Therefore, the president cannot be impeached. What form (what type of categorical syllogism) does this argument take?

Major premise: If a country's electoral rules are permissive, then votes should be translated into seats in a fairly proportional manner. Minor premise: In the most recent election, votes were not translated into seats in a proportional manner. Conclusion: Therefore, the country's electoral rules are not permissive. Is a valid argument?

Necessary and Sufficient Conditions -"Countries always maintain democratic regimes IF THEY HAVE A STRONG URBAN CLASS." Are the conditions shown in capital letters sufficient or necessary to produce the effects described?

"Religious faith assures a person a place in the afterlife." Is a scientific statement?

Major premise: If a country employs proportional representation electoral rules, it will have many parties. Minor premise: The country does not employ proportional representation electoral rules. Conclusion: Therefore, the country does not have many parties. Is a valid argument?

A scientific statement must be falsifiable.