Deck 1: Thinking Critically

Question 1

The argument contains an example of the fallacy named in parentheses. Explain how the fallacy occurs in the argument.
(Diversion)We've just remodeled the restaurant, so our food is delicious!

Answer 1

The conclusion of this argument (our food is
delicious)is not related to the premise (We've just remodeled the restaurant). This
argument represents the fallacy of diversion because it attempts to divert attention
from the real issue (the taste of the food)by focusing on another issue (the
remodeling of the restaurant). The issue to which attention is diverted is sometimes
called a red herring.

Question 2

A seemingly simple argument is given. Identify at least two hidden assumptions.
Jeremy needs a new bike, because the new models have a safer braking system.

Answer 2

Answers may vary. One possibility:
Safer bikes are better bikes.
Buying a new braking system for Jeremy's old bike is not a reasonable option.

Question 3

The argument contains an example of the fallacy named in parentheses. Explain how the fallacy occurs in the argument.
(Appeal to Emotion)A television commercial shows a happy, attractive family dining at
Ma & Pa's Restaurant.

Answer 3

If we can consider this an argument at all, it
has the form
Premise: You want your family to be happy and attractive.
Conclusion: You should eat at Ma & Pa's Restaurant.
The argument appeals to emotion, not logic. The advertisers hope that the image of
happy and attractive people will evoke positive emotions and make you want to eat
at the restaurant. In other cases, the appeal is to negative emotions.

Question 4

The statement contains a double or multiple negation. Analyze the statement, explaining what it means.
"As your Senator, I cannot in good conscience oppose those who are against deregulation."

Question 5

Draw a Venn diagram to determine whether the argument is valid.
Premise: No surfers speak French.
Premise: Pierre speaks French.
Conclusion: Pierre is not a surfer.

Question 6

Analyze the situation and explain how you would make a decision.
You need a rental car for four days. The daily rate is $20 per day plus 20¢ per mile. The
weekly rate is $100, and mileage is included. Which is the better option?

Question 7

The statement connects two individual propositions with the word or. State whether the entire statement is true or false,and explain why.
Cats reads books or dogs bark.

Question 8

Provide an appropriate response.
IRS guidelines state that a married person under 65 years of age who can be claimed as a
dependent on another person's tax return must file a return if
(i)unearned income was over $750; or
(ii)earned income was over $3925; or
(iii)total of earned and unearned income was at least $5 and your spouse files a separate
return and itemizes deductions; or
(iv)total of earned and unearned income was more than the greater of
a)$750; or
b)earned income (up to $3675)plus $250.
Julia is 45 years old and can be claimed as a dependent by her father. She had earned
income of $3800 and unearned income of $200. Julia's husband Bret files a separate return
but does not itemize deductions. Must Julia file a return? Explain.

Question 9

Create a simple three-line argument for the given form. Choose your example so that it illustrates clearly whether or notthe argument is valid.
Affirming the conclusion

Question 10

The statement contains a double or multiple negation. Analyze the statement, explaining what it means.
The House of Representatives voted to override the veto of the communications bill.

Question 11

Describe how the sentence is ambiguous.
Our goal is to increase voter participation from 25% of the eligible voters, or 4000, to 50%.

Question 12

Create a simple three-line argument for the given form. Choose your example so that it illustrates clearly whether or notthe argument is valid.
Denying the conclusion

Question 13

A set of propositions is listed. Draw a Venn diagram that represents all the information in the propositions and use it(and no other assumptions)to answer the question. Explain your reasoning.
No dogs are cats. No gerbils are cats. All dogs have fleas. Some cats are thirsty. No thirsty
creatures have fleas.
Question: Could a gerbil be a dog?

Question 14

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
Javier takes a shower to save time. When he gets into the shower at 6:50, he is out by 7:10.
When he used to take baths, it would take him a quarter of an hour.

Question 15

Draw a Venn diagram for the given sets. In words, explain why you drew one set as a subset of the other, disjoint sets, oroverlapping sets.
even numbers and odd numbers

Question 16

A categorical proposition is given. If it is not already in standard form, rephrase it. State the subject and predicate sets,and draw a Venn diagram for the proposition. Label all regions of the diagram clearly.
All horses are animals.

Question 17

A seemingly simple argument is given. Identify at least two hidden assumptions.
We should not vote for the incumbent because he has already been in office for three
consecutive terms.

Question 18

Analyze the situation and explain how you would make a decision.
Your current cell phone company charges $30 per month for unlimited minutes. Another
company charges $20 per month for the first 500 minutes plus 5¢ a minute for any
additional minutes. Should you keep your current service or switch to the other company?

Question 19

Draw a Venn diagram for the given sets. In words, explain why you drew one set as a subset of the other, disjoint sets, oroverlapping sets.
athletes and high school students

Question 20

A categorical proposition is given. If it is not already in standard form, rephrase it. State the subject and predicate sets,and draw a Venn diagram for the proposition. Label all regions of the diagram clearly.
Beggars can't be choosers.

Question 21

Analyze the situation and explain how you would make a decision.
You are leasing a summer home for twelve weeks and are required to cut the grass every
week. You can buy a new power mower for $340 and sell it at the end of the summer for
$100. You can rent a power mower for $20 per day. The neighbor's son will charge you $10
per hour for 2 hours and provide his own equipment. Which is the best option?

Question 22

Provide an appropriate response.
Consider the following ballot initiative:
"Shall there be an amendment to the state constitution to prohibit the state legislature from
adopting any law which inhibits the freedom of religious expression?"
Explain the meaning of a "no" vote.

Question 23

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
Wayne's bank charges a $1 service charge for every transaction. To save money, he
withdraws $100 cash every other week instead of withdrawing $50 every week.

Question 24

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
I did not convince my friend that I was right, so I must not have argued logically.

Question 25

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
I know more of the names of the common fallacies in arguments than my father, so I can
recognize fallacies better than he can.

Question 26

The statement connects two individual propositions with the word and. State whether the entire statement is true or false,and explain why.

Question 27

Determine the truth of the premises, discuss the strength of the argument, and assess the truth of the conclusion.
Conclusion: Whenever we add an even number and an odd number, the result is an odd
number.

Question 28

Analyze the situation and explain how you would make a decision.
The costs per day of driving to work are $5 for gas, $10 for parking, and $1 for
wear-and-tear on the car. Taking the train to work costs $6.50 each way, plus $1.50 per
day to park at the train station. Should you drive or take the train?

Question 29

Determine the truth of the premises, discuss the strength of the argument, and assess the truth of the conclusion.
Premise: Monday is one of the days of the week.
Premise: Thursday is one of the days of the week.
Premise: Saturday is one of the days of the week.
Conclusion: All the days of the week have names that end in "day."

Question 30

A categorical proposition is given. If it is not already in standard form, rephrase it. State the subject and predicate sets,and draw a Venn diagram for the proposition. Label all regions of the diagram clearly.
Some singers are not children.

Question 31

Draw a Venn diagram for the given sets. In words, explain why you drew one set as a subset of the other, disjoint sets, oroverlapping sets.
astronauts and fathers

Question 32

Determine the truth of the premises, discuss the strength of the argument, and assess the truth of the conclusion.
Premise: Calvin Coolidge was over 35 years old when he became President of the United
States.
Premise: Bill Clinton was over 35 years old when he became President of the United States.
Premise: Ronald Reagan was over 35 when he became President of the United States.
Conclusion: Every United States politician is at least 35 years old.

Question 33

The statement connects two individual propositions with the word and. State whether the entire statement is true or false,and explain why.
George Washington was the first president of the United States of America and France is in
Europe.

Question 34

Provide an appropriate response.
You mention to an acquaintance that you wish to buy a Rolex watch, but the model you're
interested in is too expensive for your budget. He says that his cousin sells watches, and
he'll see if he can get you a deal. Sure enough, his cousin offers you the same watch for 50%
of the price. Does this sound like a deal worth taking?

Question 35

The statement connects two individual propositions with the word and. State whether the entire statement is true or false,and explain why.
There are seven days in a week and there are 24 hours in a day.

Question 36

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
The propositions "I am hungry" and "I am not hungry" are both true, since sometimes I am
hungry and sometimes I am not hungry.

Question 37

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
If "unconscious" means "not located in the United States," then Florida is not unconscious.

Question 38

A seemingly simple argument is given. Identify at least two hidden assumptions.
I should not go outside, because it is raining.

Question 39

The statement contains a double or multiple negation. Analyze the statement, explaining what it means.
The state assembly repealed the ban on anti-smoking resolutions.

Question 40

Identify the type of argument and determine its validity with a Venn diagram.
Premise: If you try hard, then you will succeed.
Premise: You did not try hard.
Conclusion: You will not succeed.

Question 41

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
The premises are true and the conclusion is true, so the argument must be valid.

Question 42

Analyze the situation and explain how you would make a decision.
Betty has to go to New Orleans on business. If she flies there and back on the same day her
round trip airfare will cost $700. If she stays overnight, her round trip airfare will cost $400,
her hotel will cost $100, and three extra meals will cost $75.
Which is the better option?

Question 43

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
I drew a Venn diagram for two sets, and I only used one circle.

Question 44

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
Your argument has no fallacies, so your conclusion must be true.

Question 45

Draw a Venn diagram to determine whether the argument is valid.
Premise: All lawyers wear suits.
Premise: Jack wears a suit.
Conclusion: Jack is a lawyer.

Question 46

The argument contains an example of the fallacy named in parentheses. Explain how the fallacy occurs in the argument.
(Hasty Generalization)Isabelle had vegetarian food for lunch every day last week, so she
must be a vegetarian.

Question 47

A seemingly simple argument is given. Identify at least two hidden assumptions.
Cardiovascular exercise is important, because to be healthy you need a strong heart.

Question 48

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
Your argument is sound, but it isn't valid.

Question 49

The argument contains an example of the fallacy named in parentheses. Explain how the fallacy occurs in the argument.
(Straw Man)Mayor Brown opposes a tax increase to build new schools. His opponent in
the upcoming election states: Mayor Brown is not concerned with improving the quality of
education for our children.

Question 50

Analyze the situation and explain how you would make a decision.
You are flying out on Monday morning and returning home Tuesday night. You need to
decide how to get to and from your home airport. Driving each way costs $2 in gas, and
long-term parking costs $10 per full or partial day. If you take taxis, it will cost $11 each
way. Which option is better?

Question 51

Create a simple three-line argument for the given form. Choose your example so that it illustrates clearly whether or notthe argument is valid.
Denying the hypothesis

Question 52

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
A and B are disjoint sets, so an object is either a member of set A or a member of set B, but
not a member of both sets.

Question 53

Determine the truth of the premises, discuss the strength of the argument, and assess the truth of the conclusion.
Premise: I get lower grades than my best friend in math, chemistry, and English.
Conclusion: My friend is smarter than I am.

Question 54

Provide an appropriate response.
IRS guidelines state that a married person under 65 years of age who can be claimed as a
dependent on another person's tax return must file a return if
(i)unearned income was over $750; or
(ii)earned income was over $3925; or
(iii)total of earned and unearned income was at least $5 and your spouse files a separate
return and itemizes deductions; or
(iv)total of earned and unearned income was more than the greater of
a)$750; or
b)earned income (up to $3675)plus $250.
Kevin is 25 years old and can be claimed as a dependent by his mother. He had earned
income of $3500 and unearned income of $700. Kevin's wife Linda files a separate return
but does not itemize deductions. Must Kevin file a return? Explain.

Question 55

A reason for a particular political position is given. There may be other issues that are left unstated. Identify at least oneunstated issue that could be the "real issue" of concern.
The dictator of a foreign country has enacted a ban on all firearms, citing prevention of
accidental deaths among children as the rationale.

Question 56

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
The argument is weak, so its conclusion must be false.

Question 57

The statement connects two individual propositions with the word or. State whether the entire statement is true or false,and explain why.

Question 58

Draw a Venn diagram for the given sets. In words, explain why you drew one set as a subset of the other, disjoint sets, oroverlapping sets.
beverages and soft drinks

Question 59

A seemingly simple argument is given. Identify at least two hidden assumptions.
It is important to visit the dentist every 6 months to insure healthy teeth and gums.

Question 60

A reason for a particular political position is given. There may be other issues that are left unstated. Identify at least oneunstated issue that could be the "real issue" of concern.
I think term limits should be enacted for the Senate. A senator should not be allowed to
serve more than two consecutive terms, because professional politicians become too
focused on getting reelected.

Question 61

Draw a Venn diagram for the given sets. In words, explain why you drew one set as a subset of the other, disjoint sets, oroverlapping sets.
motor vehicles and cars

Question 62

A categorical proposition is given. If it is not already in standard form, rephrase it. State the subject and predicate sets,and draw a Venn diagram for the proposition. Label all regions of the diagram clearly.
Some flight attendants are men.

Question 63

A seemingly simple argument is given. Identify at least two hidden assumptions.
The campfire should be extinguished before we go fishing because the park ranger can cite
us for illegal activities.

Question 64

Use your knowledge of the listed sets to draw a A Venn diagram illustrating the relationships among them.
real numbers, integers, positive numbers, negative numbers, irrational numbers

Question 65

Draw a Venn diagram for the given sets. In words, explain why you drew one set as a subset of the other, disjoint sets, oroverlapping sets.
doctors and poets

Question 66

Identify the type of argument and determine its validity with a Venn diagram.
Premise: If you are hot, then you will sweat.
Premise: James is hot.
Conclusion: James will sweat.

Question 67

Draw a Venn diagram with three overlapping circles for the three given sets. Label the contents of every region. If aregion has no members, state that fact clearly.
truck drivers, employed, unemployed

Question 68

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
If you have $5, then you will buy a hot dog; and, contrapositively, if you don't have $5,
then you won't buy a hot dog. (Hint: focus on whether the word "contrapositively" is used
correctly.)

Question 69

Draw a Venn diagram to represent the given information.
In a complex of 60 apartments, 40 apartments have cable television, 25 apartments have a
dishwasher, and 13 apartments have both cable television and a dishwasher.

Question 70

Draw a Venn diagram to determine whether the argument is valid.
Premise: All clowns wear makeup.
Premise: Bozo is a clown.
Conclusion: Bozo wears makeup.

Question 71

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
Insurance policy A costs $250 and has no deductible. Insurance policy B costs $275 and has
a $500 yearly deductible. Candace thinks the extra $25 per month is worth it to get the
$500 deductible, so she buys policy B.

Question 72

The statement connects two individual propositions with the word or. State whether the entire statement is true or false,and explain why.
The grass is wet or the grass is dry.

Question 73

The argument contains an example of the fallacy named in parentheses. Explain how the fallacy occurs in the argument.
(False Cause)Since I brought my umbrella, it didn't rain.

Question 74

Draw a Venn diagram to represent the given information.
There are 12 girls and 15 boys in a kindergarten class. 8 of the girls and 10 of the boys are
right handed.

Question 75

Analyze the situation and explain how you would make a decision.
You want a new car but plan to use it for only 2 years. The cost of leasing is $2,000 down
and $300 per month. The cost of buying is $20,000, and you can expect to sell it in two
years for approximately $12,000. Which is the better option?

Question 76

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
Your conditional deductive argument is valid. Therefore, it must be an example of
"Affirming the Hypothesis."

Question 77

Use your knowledge of the listed sets to draw a A Venn diagram illustrating the relationships among them.
clothes, shirts, pants, shoes, fancy duds

Question 78

Decide whether the statement makes sense. Explain your reasoning.
I am very upset because the results of my biopsy were not positive for cancer.

Question 79

Draw a Venn diagram to determine whether the argument is valid.
Premise: All snakes have fangs.
Premise: Teri's pet does not have fangs.
Conclusion: Teri's pet is not a snake.

Question 80

Identify the type of argument and determine its validity with a Venn diagram.
Premise: If you break curfew, then you will be punished.
Premise: Thelma was punished.
Conclusion: Thelma broke curfew.