Question 1

"The world is nothing but your private dream." How would you argue against (or for) this claim?

Accepted Answer

The claim that "the world is nothing but your private dream" is a philosophical statement that suggests that the world and everything in it is merely a creation of our own minds. This claim can be argued against by considering the existence of objective reality and the experiences of others.

Firstly, the existence of an objective reality can be observed through scientific evidence and the consensus of multiple individuals experiencing the same events. For example, the laws of physics, biology, and other scientific principles are consistent across different people's experiences, suggesting that there is a reality that exists independently of our individual perceptions.

Additionally, the experiences and perspectives of others also challenge the idea that the world is solely a private dream. Other people have their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences that are independent of our own. Their existence and the interactions we have with them further support the idea that there is a shared reality beyond our individual perceptions.

On the other hand, one could argue for the claim by pointing to the subjective nature of perception and the influence of our thoughts and beliefs on our experiences. From a philosophical standpoint, it can be argued that our perceptions shape our reality, and therefore, the world is indeed a reflection of our private dreams.

In conclusion, while the claim that "the world is nothing but your private dream" may have some philosophical merit, it can be argued against by considering the existence of an objective reality and the experiences of others. Ultimately, the debate over the nature of reality and perception is a complex and ongoing philosophical discussion.

Question 2

"Since my sister has liked all the friends I've brought home so far, I imagine she will like my new friend, Ted, as well." This statement is most clearly an example of

Accepted Answer

A)   hypothetical induction.
B)   analogical induction.
C)   inductive generalization.
D)   None of the above B

Question 3

With a valid deductive argument we know that

Accepted Answer

A)   the premises are true.
B)   if the conclusion is true, the premises are probably true.
C)   the conclusion is true.
D)   None of the above D

Question 4

A valid deductive argument can't have inconsistent premises.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Think of some problem you tried to solve recently (finding something, fixing something, whatever).
a. Describe the reasoning process you went through.
b. Explain how your reasoning was inductive or deductive or some combination of both.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Think of some problem you tried to...

Question 6

Reasoning that someone is guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt" would be an example of what type of reasoning?

Accepted Answer

A)   Deductive reasoning
B)   Inductive reasoning
C)   Circular reasoning
D)   None of the above

Question 7

"Deduction goes from the general to the particular; induction goes from the particular to the general." Explain why this statement is wrong and give examples to support your point. Give your own characterization of the difference between deduction and induction.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Deduction goes from the general to the...

Question 8

All human beings observed thus far have lived less than 20 years.
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The next human being observed will live less than 20 years.
The above argument is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)   a strong inductive argument with a true premise.
B)   a strong inductive argument with a false premise.
C)   a weak inductive argument with a true premise.
D)   a weak inductive argument with a false premise.

Question 9

"Of course I can't tell you what would disprove my hypothesis. After all, my hypothesis is true." What's wrong with this statement? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Of course I can't tell you what...

Question 10

If this is 2094, then it is the twenty-first century
It is 2094
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It is the twenty-first century
The above argument is:

Accepted Answer

A)   valid.
B)   sound.
C)   invalid.
D)   None of the above

Question 11

"Look before you leap, my friend. And remember, he who hesitates is lost." This statement exemplifies the fallacy of

Accepted Answer

A)   begging the question.
B)   inconsistency.
C)   straw man.
D)   None of the above

Question 12

"People seem to like what John has to say. I'd believe him if I were you." This statement involves what fallacy?

Accepted Answer

A)   Circular reasoning
B)   Appeal to popular opinion
C)   Ad hominem argument
D)   Begging the question

Question 13

"This scientific theory is so solid that you can't even imagine it being false." This statement would likely be an example of the fallacy of

Accepted Answer

A)   slippery slope.
B)   impervious hypothesis.
C)   provincialism.
D)   appeal to ignorance.

Question 14

The following argument is valid: "We live on Mars; therefore, we live on Mars."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

"Either it's going to rain tomorrow or it isn't." This argument is best symbolized as

Accepted Answer

A)   p v ∼ q
B)   ∼ p v q.
C)   p ⊃ q.
D)   p v ∼ p.

Question 16

If p, then q
Not p
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Not q
The above argument is an example of the fallacy of

Accepted Answer

A)   affirming the antecedent.
B)   denying the antecedent.
C)   affirming the consequent.
D)   denying the consequent.

Question 17

Either moral questions are like scientific questions or they're like questions of taste.
It's not the case that moral questions are like scientific questions.
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Moral questions are like questions of taste.
Symbolize the above argument and say whether it is valid or invalid. If it has a name, what is it?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Either moral questions are like scientific questions...

Question 18

A "valid argument" concerns the

Accepted Answer

A)   truth of the premises.
B)   the connection between the premises and conclusion.
C)   the persuasiveness of the argument.
D)   the truth of the premises.

Question 19

"We'll get him a fair trial and then hang him." This statement would likely be an example of the fallacy of

Accepted Answer

A)   provincialism.
B)   inconsistency.
C)   appeal to force.
D)   appeal to authority.

Question 20

"Don't believe what Professor Ingram says in his physics class. I hear he cheats on his wife." This would be an example of

Accepted Answer

A)   circular reasoning.
B)   argument from authority.
C)   ad hominem argument.
D)   appeal to popular opinion.

Exam 1: Logic