homework, fall 2021

1. Knowing what you know about validity,  try to write down at least one premise that would provide support for the following conclusions (try to be as succinct as possible):  

a. It is morally permissible to experiment on nonhuman animals.

b. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

2. Tell whether these arguments are valid or invalid.

a. Alvin likes Jane. Jane likes Chris. So, Alvin likes Chris.

b. Trees are plants. Oaks are plants. Therefore, Oaks are trees.

c. If Lincoln was killed in an automobile accident, then Lincoln is dead. Lincoln was killed in an automobile accident. Hence, Lincoln is dead. 

3. Tell whether these arguments are sound.

a. Cats are mammals. Mammals are animals. So, cats are animals. 

b. If the Taj Mahal is in Kentucky, then the Taj Mahal is in the USA. But the Taj Mahal is not in the USA. So, the Taj Mahal is not in Kentucky. 

4. Tell whether these inductive arguments are strong or weak.  

a.. The last twenty-two lottery tickets that Francis purchased have been losers. Therefore, the next one he buys will almost certainly be a winner.

b. Both Dorothy and Olivia have trouble seeing distant objects clearly. After purchasing a pair of prescription glasses, however, Dorothy reports that she can see perfectly. Therefore, chances are that if Olivia purchases a pair of glasses identical to Dorothy's, her vision should be as good as Dorothy's is now. 

5. identify the right cause (based on this lecture)

Paul is 79 years of age and has just been diagnosed with COVID-19. He's a smoker and has diabetes (smoking is a risk and diabetes a pre existing condition). After surviving COVID-19, Paul develops hypertension (see the possible link between COVID-19 and hypertension). 

a. Identify what kind of a cause COVID-19 is to Paul's newly developed condition of hypertension. 

b. If Paul had died, is COVID-19 a direct cause of Paul's death? Explain. 

7. Identify the following fallacies: 

a. Thomas Elder's attack on social welfare should not be taken seriously. He is said to have been a degenerate. 

b. You will get pregnant if you have sex. Sally had sex once, and now she is pregnant. 

c. Your honor, the defendant must be guilty because no one can prove his innocence. 

d. Rare taste: you either have taste or you don't. 

e. Men are all alike: selfish creatures who spend every weekend glued to a television tube. 

f. I am sure that you will agree that we should all work together to increase this company's profit. Anyone who does not agree with this policy will be fired immediately.