Exam 1: Understanding Logic and Fallacies

Re-write the following arguments in standard form and then test them for validity. -Since Sri Caitanya was the avatar of Lord Krishna, and Lord Krishna is God, it follows that Sri Caitanya was God.

Determine whether the following sentences are statements. -Pasta is delightful.

What is voir dire? Why is it important to jury selection?

Determine the fallacy committed (if any). -Students are always complaining about the cost of tuition, but everything costs more these days. Students can't even afford to get to school, let alone pay for classes. Therefore, we need to find a way to bring down the cost of gasoline.

An enthymeme is an argument that is missing a statement.

Re-write the following arguments in standard form and then test them for validity. -The greatest artist of all time painted Girl Interrupted at Her Music. That work was painted by Vermeer, so Vermeer must be the greatest artist of all time.

The words "therefore," "hence," "so," "since," and "thus" are all conclusion indicators.

Re-write the following arguments in standard form and then test them for validity. -Either Jeremy Brett or Tom Baker was the best Sherlock Holmes. Tom Baker was not a good Sherlock Holmes, so obviously Jeremy Brett was the best Holmes.

Re-write the following arguments in standard form and then test them for validity. -If some Islanders are good players and some Islanders are bad players, it follows that some good players are bad players.

Please indicate whether the following arguments are deductive or inductive. - For the last three years, an expansion team has won the cup An expansion team will probably win the cup for the next five years

Please indicate whether the following arguments are deductive or inductive. -95% of all hockey fans drink beer Mitt Romney is a hockey fan Mitt Romney probably drinks beer

In a convergent argument, if one statement fails, the argument fails

Re-write the following arguments in standard form and then test them for validity. -If Crosby is injured, then the Penguins cannot win the cup. The Penguins cannot win the cup, therefore Crosby is injured.

Determine whether the following sentences are statements. -Bow ties are cool.