Critical Thinking chapter 4

An argument in critical thinking is defined as:

• A verbal fight between two people

• A set of claims in which one is supported by others

• A rhetorical device used for persuasion only

• A statement without evidence

Which of the following is NOT a type of reasoning?

• Deductive reasoning

• Inductive reasoning

• Abductive reasoning

• Reactive reasoning

Deductive reasoning is best described as:

• Moving from specific cases to general principles

• Drawing the best possible explanation from available facts

• Reasoning that guarantees the truth of the conclusion if premises are true

• Reasoning that relies on authority

Which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning?

• All humans are mortal; Socrates is human; therefore, Socrates is mortal.

• The sun has risen every day in history; therefore, it will rise tomorrow.

• If it rains, the ground will be wet; it is raining, so the ground is wet.

• This building was designed by an engineer, so it must be safe.

Abductive reasoning involves:

• Choosing the simplest and most likely explanation

• Generalizing from specific evidence

• Deduction from universal principles

• Avoiding explanations altogether

A valid argument is one in which:

• The premises are true and the conclusion is true

• The conclusion follows logically from the premises

• The conclusion is always correct regardless of premises

• It persuades the audience successfully

An argument is sound if:

• It is valid and has true premises

• It is valid but has false premises

• It convinces the audience

• It has emotional appeal

Which of the following is an example of a deductively valid syllogism?

• All engineers are professionals; Kwame is an engineer; therefore, Kwame is a professional.

• Some engineers are musicians; Kwame is an engineer; therefore, Kwame is a musician.

• All engineers are logical; Ama is logical; therefore, Ama is an engineer.

• Engineers are hardworking; Kofi is hardworking; therefore, Kofi is an engineer.

Which of the following is an example of a fallacy?

• Using evidence to support a claim

• Drawing a conclusion not supported by premises

• A sound deductive argument

• Logical consistency

Which fallacy involves criticizing the person instead of the argument?

• Ad hominem

• Straw man

• False cause

• Appeal to authority