Hw 1-Logic
Philosophy 201—Practical Logic Loyola University New Orleans Ben Bayer Summer 2012
Homework #1
DUE: Tuesday, September 11th, (at 11:59pm, just before midnight)
Directions
For each of the listed fallacious arguments, select an answer to each of questions (a) and (b). For both (a) and (b), select ONE AND ONLY ONE answer from (i) through (vii). For most of the answers in (b) you will need to fill in the specified blanks with details from the argument to fully explain your answer. Please copy and paste the text of your answers for both (a) and (b) into your submission. For part (b) answers, type over the underscore, preferably in capital letters, to complete your answer.
Problems
1. A breadbox is lighter than a table. And a table is lighter than a feather. Therefore, a breadbox is lighter than a feather.
a. What is the specific name of the error or fallacy? i. Premises are not known to be true: at least one is false ii. Begging the question: mere restatement iii. Begging the question: restatement through synonymy iv. Begging the question: circular reasoning v. Begging the question: implicit controversial premises vi. Begging the question: arbitrary redefinition of terms vii. Begging the question: other
b. How do know that this fallacy is being committed? viii. Because the conclusion is immediately restated, nearly word for word. ix. Because the conclusion is supported by a chain of reasoning involving a premise that restates or presupposes the conclusion, __________________.) (If the conclusion is merely presupposed and not restated, write which explicit premise presupposes it: __________________.) x. Because the premises are relevant only if an implicit premise, _________________, is accepted. But this premise is the very idea most in need of proof. It is especially controversial because__________________.
Homework #1
DUE: Tuesday, September 11th, (at 11:59pm, just before midnight)
Directions
For each of the listed fallacious arguments, select an answer to each of questions (a) and (b). For both (a) and (b), select ONE AND ONLY ONE answer from (i) through (vii). For most of the answers in (b) you will need to fill in the specified blanks with details from the argument to fully explain your answer. Please copy and paste the text of your answers for both (a) and (b) into your submission. For part (b) answers, type over the underscore, preferably in capital letters, to complete your answer.
Problems
1. A breadbox is lighter than a table. And a table is lighter than a feather. Therefore, a breadbox is lighter than a feather.
a. What is the specific name of the error or fallacy? i. Premises are not known to be true: at least one is false ii. Begging the question: mere restatement iii. Begging the question: restatement through synonymy iv. Begging the question: circular reasoning v. Begging the question: implicit controversial premises vi. Begging the question: arbitrary redefinition of terms vii. Begging the question: other
b. How do know that this fallacy is being committed? viii. Because the conclusion is immediately restated, nearly word for word. ix. Because the conclusion is supported by a chain of reasoning involving a premise that restates or presupposes the conclusion, __________________.) (If the conclusion is merely presupposed and not restated, write which explicit premise presupposes it: __________________.) x. Because the premises are relevant only if an implicit premise, _________________, is accepted. But this premise is the very idea most in need of proof. It is especially controversial because__________________.