Deck 13: Argument by Analogy

Question 1

What is the missing premise in the following argument by analogy? Tennis and reasoning are similar.
$\underline{\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad}$
Reasoning requires practice.

A)Tennis requires practice.
B)Reasoning is a skill.
C)Most people who play tennis also reason.
D)Most people who reason also play tennis.
E)Tennis and reasoning are not alike in every way.

Answer 1

Tennis requires practice.

Question 2

If we break an argument by analogy down into two steps, first an inductive step and then a deductive step, the deductive step is:

A)a modus ponens
B)a modus tollens
C)a generalization
D)a disjunctive syllogism
E)a hypothetical syllogism

Answer 2

A

Question 3

What is the missing premise in the following argument by analogy? Sol diers deserve respect.
$\underline{\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad}$
Police officers deserve respect.

A)All soldiers are police officers.
B)All police officers are soldiers.
C)People respect soldiers more than they respect police officers.
D)People don't respect police officers enough.
E)Soldiers and police officers are similar.

Answer 3

Soldiers and police officers are similar.

Question 4

Consider the following argument by analogy. $A$ and $B$ have property $S$
$A$ has property $P$
$B$ has property $P$
The logical strength of this argument depends on:

A)S being a species of P
B)P being a species of S
C)S and P being related
D)A being a broader concept than B
E)B being a referent of concept A

Question 5

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Smartphones will expand individual freedom to communicate and acquire information in the same way that the automobile expanded individual mobility.

A)affordability
B)using gasoline
C)phones
D)automobiles
E)being handheld

Question 6

Is argument by analogy a type of induction or deduction?

A)neither induction nor deduction
B)either induction or deduction, depending on the subject matter
C)either induction or deduction, depending on whether the argument is valid
D)induction
E)deduction

Question 7

What is the missing premise in the following argument by analogy? Cellos are similar to violins.
$\underline{\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad}$
Cellos must be tuned.

A)Cellos are also different from violins.
B)Cellos require the same care as violins.
C)Violins are like very small cellos.
D)It is either true or false that cellos must be tuned.
E)Violins must be tuned.

Question 8

Consider the form of the following argument by analogy. $A$ and $B$ are similar
$A$ has property $P$
$B$ has property $P$
Are the premises dependent or independent?

A)dependent
B)independent
C)neither independent nor dependent
D)dependent if A and B are both concepts, but independent if they are referents
E)dependent if A and B are both referents, but dependent if they are concepts

Question 9

If we break down an argument by analogy into two steps, first an inductive step and then a deductive step, is the deductive step always valid?

A)Only if both premises and the conclusion are universal.
B)Yes.
C)No, because there might be two negative premises.
D)No, because there might be an illicit major term.
E)No, because there might be an undistributed middle term.

Question 10

In an argument by analogy, we begin with the premise that A has property P, and conclude that B has property P.What additional premise is necessary to reach this conclusion?

A)C has property P.
B)P is a frequently occurring property.
C)B is an example of A.
D)A and B are identical in every respect.
E)A and B are similar.

Question 11

Consider the following argument by analogy. Gorillas and chimpanzees are both primates.
Gorillas like to eat fruit.
Chimpanzees like to eat fruit. What inductive generalization is implied in this argument?

A)All chimpanzees are gorillas.
B)All gorillas are chimpanzees.
C)No animal that likes to eat fruit is a non-primate.
D)All primates are animals.
E)All primates like to eat fruit.

Question 12

In order to form an argument by analogy between A and B, we must believe that A and B are alike in at least _____ way(s).

A)0
B)1
C)2
D)3
E)4

Question 13

Consider the following argument by analogy. Both the sun and flashlights give off light.
The sun gives off heat.
Flashlights give off heat. What inductive generalization is implied in this argument?

A)All things that give off light give off heat.
B)All things that give off heat give off light.
C)All flashlights are suns.
D)No sun is a flashlight.
E)No flashlight is as bright as the sun.

Question 14

An argument by analogy relies on the premise that A and B are similar.This similarity must be such that:

A)A is a species of B
B)A and B share some property
C)A and B are two names for the same concept
D)A and B are identical in every respect
E)most referents of A are also referents of B

Question 15

In order to form an argument by analogy between A and B, is it necessary that A and B be alike in every way?

A)No, since that is only sometimes possible, depending on what A and B are.
B)No, since if A and B are two different things, they cannot be alike in every way.
C)No, since it is enough that they share a single property.
D)Yes, since otherwise, they would not have enough in common to form a true analogy.
E)Yes, since otherwise the analogy will lack logical strength.

Question 16

Consider the following argument by analogy. People want to concentrate in libraries and funeral parlors.
Funeral parlors are quiet places.
Libraries are quiet places. What inductive generalization is implied in this argument?

A)All libraries are located next to funeral parlors.
B)All libraries contain people who are sad.
C)All places where people want to concentrate are quiet places.
D)No funeral parlor is a library.
E)All places where people want to concentrate are either libraries or funeral parlors.

Question 17

Consider the following argument by analogy. Maine and Vermont have similar climates.
Potatoes can grow in Maine.
Potatoes can grow in Vermont. What inductive generalization is implied in this argument?

A)Potatoes can grow in all states that are near to Maine.
B)Potatoes can grow in all states with the same climate as Maine.
C)No potatoes are exported from Maine to Vermont.
D)No potatoes are exported from Vermont to Maine.
E)Potatoes can grow in all 50 states.

Question 18

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Wonder Woman is a good role model because Superman is a good role model.

A)Wonder Woman and Superman are both superheroes.
B)Wonder Woman and Superman are both interested in poetry.
C)Wonder Woman and Superman both have secret identities.
D)Wonder Woman and Superman both wear red and blue clothes.
E)Wonder Woman and Superman are both famous.

Question 19

If we break down an argument by analogy into two steps, first an inductive step and then a deductive step, the inductive step is a:

A)disjunctive syllogism
B)hypothetical syllogism
C)modus ponens
D)modus tollens
E)generalization

Question 20

Consider the following argument by analogy. Sodas and soups both contain sodium.
Consuming a lot of soda can cause heart problems.
Consuming a lot of soup can cause heart problems. What inductive generalization is implied in this argument?

A)All sodas and soups are foods.
B)No soda is a soup.
C)Nothing but food causes heart problems.
D)All heart irregularities are problems.
E)Consuming any food containing sodium can cause heart problems.

Question 21

Arguments by analogy are most susceptible to being charged with committing which two fallacies?

A)composition and division
B)hasty generalization and accident
C)hasty generalization and division
D)composition and accident
E)accident and division

Question 22

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Since President Abraham Lincoln became more popular after his death, President John F.Kennedy probably became more popular after his death as well.

A)They were both Americans.
B)They were both assassinated.
C)They were both tall.
D)They were both presidents.
E)They both had hair (were not bald).

Question 23

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? Because Memorial Day, like Veterans Day, is dedicated to soldiers, it is appropriate to fly a flag on Veterans Day.

A)It is appropriate to fly a flag on Memorial Day.
B)Memorial Day and Veterans Day are both federal holidays.
C)It is inappropriate to fly a flag on other holidays.
D)It is appropriate to fly a flag on all holidays dedicated to soldiers.
E)I have a flag to fly.

Question 24

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Since coffee keeps me awake, black tea will keep me awake.

A)They both contain caffeine.
B)They are both drinks.
C)They can both be made in a microwave oven.
D)They are both stirred with a spoon.
E)They are both served hot.

Question 25

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between Southern Texas and Florida would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Southern Texas is similar to Florida.
I had to use sunscreen to avoid a sunbum in Southern Texas.
I will need to use sunscreen to avoid a sunburn in Florida.

A)They are at the same latitude.
B)They are both parts of the United States.
C)They both border the Gulf of Mexico.
D)They are both in the top four most populated states.
E)They both have beaches.

Question 26

Arguments by analogy are a "relatively weak mode of argument" because:

A)they rely on a generalization from a single example
B)they almost always produce false conclusions
C)it is never completely clear what the conclusion is intended to be
D)they rely on two things being similar, but no two things are ever like each other in any way
E)the similarity between A and B is never truly related to the predicate of the conclusion

Question 27

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? Since vodka and tequila are both distilled spirits, and vodka makes me sick, tequila will make me sick.

A)Vodka is similar to tequila.
B)Tequila is a type of vodka.
C)Gin is a distilled spirit.
D)Beer will not make me sick.
E)All distilled spirits will make me sick.

Question 28

Evaluation of an argument's logical strength focuses on the step of the argument that is:

A)a categorical syllogism
B)valid
C)invalid
D)deductive
E)inductive

Question 29

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between ballet and opera would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Ballet is similar to opera
Opera tickets are expensive.
Ballet tickets are expensive.

A)They are public performances.
B)They attract upper-class patrons.
C)They require discipline and talent.
D)They started in Italy.
E)They are set to music.

Question 30

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between science fiction and fantasy books would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Science fiction books and fantasy books are similar.
I enjoy science fiction books.
I would enjoy fantasy books.

A)They are both printed on paper.
B)They have the same average length.
C)They have similar cover designs.
D)They have the same level of popularity.
E)They tell imaginative stories.

Question 31

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? Coyotes are canines, just like wolves are.So because wolves have been domesticated (as dogs), coyotes could be domesticated.

A)All wolves are canines.
B)All dogs are canines.
C)All dogs are wolves.
D)All dogs are domesticated.
E)All canines can be domesticated.

Question 32

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Toby Martin is a good actor, so William Liebowitz will be a good actor.

A)They are both the same height.
B)They have the same sense of fashion.
C)They were both trained at the same acting school.
D)They are both gifted singers.
E)They appeared together in the same movie.

Question 33

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Beds are good for sleeping, so couches are also good for sleeping.

A)They both have four legs.
B)They are both furniture.
C)They can both be bought from Sears.
D)They are both soft.
E)They both contain springs.

Question 34

When we are trying to find the connecting term in an argument by analogy from A to B, we might begin by making a list of similarities and differences between A and B.How will that help?

A)The connecting term is likely to be whatever is most similar between A and B.
B)The connecting term is likely to be whatever is most dissimilar between A and B.
C)The connecting term is likely to be the similarity most related to the predicate of the conclusion.
D)The connecting term is likely to be the difference most related to the predicate of the conclusion.
E)It won't.This is a bad way to begin looking for the connecting term.

Question 35

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Selena Gomez is similar to Jennifer Lopez.
Jennifer Lopez has a long career.
Selena Gomez will have a long career.

A)They are singers.
B)They are actresses.
C)They began their careers when they were young.
D)They are talented.
E)They are currently popular.

Question 36

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? War is a contest, like arm wrestling.So in war, victory goes to the strongest.

A)War is a contest.
B)Arm wrestling is a contest.
C)All contests are won by the strongest party.
D)All wars are won by the strongest party.
E)War is like arm wrestling.

Question 37

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between Walter and John would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Walter and John are similar.
Walter is a good leader.
John is a go od leader.

A)They are brothers.
B)They are the same age.
C)They have the same hairstyle.
D)They are both excellent swimmers.
E)They are both charismatic.

Question 38

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? A helicopter, like an airplane, is a flying machine.Airplanes have a very good safety record.So helicopters must have a very good safety record too.

A)All airplanes are flying machines.
B)All airplanes are similar to helicopters.
C)No flying machine ever crashes.
D)No airplane ever crashes.
E)All flying machines have very good safety records.

Question 39

In an argument by analogy, is it possible for there to be more than one intended connecting term?

A)No, because only one similarity could possibly be related to the predicate of the conclusion.
B)No, because there cannot be more than one similarity.
C)No, because there cannot be more than one dissimilarity.
D)Yes, because there might be many similarities that are related to the predicate of the conclusion.
E)Yes, but not more than three.

Question 40

Is one argument by analogy ever stronger than another?

A)Yes, because in some of them, the deductive step is invalid.
B)Yes, because some of them present better evidence for their conclusions than others.
C)Yes, because some of them have an inductive step, and some don't.
D)No, because all arguments by analogy are equally fallacious and should never be used.
E)No, because all arguments by analogy are deductive.

Question 41

The first rule for evaluating inductive generalizations is to consider the number and variety of positive instances.How is this rule used to evaluate the strength of arguments by analogy?

A)It cannot be used since inductive generalization has no relevance to arguments by analogy.
B)We look at all possible conclusions that could be drawn from the premises in order to determine how numerous and varied they are.
C)We count the number of instances provided in the deductive step and consider whether or not they are varied.
D)We count the number of instances provided in the inductive step and consider whether or not they are varied.
E)We consider whether the inductive step would hold up if we increased the number and variety of instances we are considering.

Question 42

The second rule for evaluating inductive generalizations is to look for disconfirming instances.How is this rule used to evaluate the strength of arguments by analogy?

A)It cannot be used since inductive generalization has no relevance to arguments by analogy.
B)The conclusion of the deductive step is a generalization, so we attempt to think of exceptions to that generalization.
C)The conclusion of the inductive step is a generalization, so we attempt to think of exceptions to that generalization.
D)The conclusion of the entire argument by analogy will be a generalization, so we attempt to think of exceptions to that generalization.
E)We look for any premises that don't seem to support the conclusion and then exclude them from the argument to make it stronger.

Question 43

When someone makes an argument by analogy between A and B, and then an opponent replies with an argument by analogy between C and B, which he believes to be more illuminating, the opponent's argument is called a(n):

A)deduction
B)analogy reversal
C)analogical retort
D)counter-analogy
E)analogy explosion

Question 44

If an analogy between A and B suggests that B has a property, but an analogy between B and C suggests that B doesn't have that property, then:

A)there is no way to know whether or not B has that property
B)the burden of proof is on the analogy between B and C, since the analogy between A and B was made first
C)the burden of proof is on the analogy between A and B, since the analogy between B and C challenged it
D)we decide between the two analogies by analyzing the strengths of their inductive components
E)we decide between the two analogies by analyzing the strengths of their deductive components

Question 45

Can all three rules for evaluating inductive generalizations be applied to all arguments by analogy?

A)No, because some arguments by analogy do not involve a generalization.
B)No, because some arguments by analogy are entirely deductive.
C)Yes, because every argument by analogy involves an inductive generalization.
D)The first rule cannot be applied, since the inductive generalization is always based on a single instance.But the other two rules can always be applied.
E)The first two rules can always be applied, but the third cannot, since analogies always take the plausibility of a generalization for granted.

Question 46

The third rule for evaluating inductive generalizations is to consider their initial plausibility.How is this rule used to evaluate the strength of arguments by analogy?

A)We consider the plausibility of the conclusion of the argument by analogy.
B)We consider the plausibility of the conclusion of the inductive step.
C)We consider whether or not the deductive step is valid.
D)We consider whether or not the inductive step is valid.
E)It cannot be used since inductive generalization has no relevance to arguments by analogy.

Question 47

Suppose that applying the rules for inductive generalization to an argument by analogy shows that the analogy's generalization is either weak or false.What follows?

A)The argument does not provide good evidence for its conclusion.
B)If the generalization is false, then the conclusion is false.If it is weak, then the conclusion is only weakly supported.
C)The conclusion is false.
D)The analogy has the wrong form and must be restructured.
E)Since the inductive part of the argument is flawed, the deductive part will turn out to be invalid.