Logical Fallacies Quiz: Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

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In the context of arguments, where is flawed causal reasoning more likely to occur?

At the beginning of the argument

In the premises

In the middle of the argument

In the conclusion (correct)

What kind of indicators are typically powerful and active in causal statements?

Causal indicators (correct)

Sequential indicators

Conditional indicators

Comparative indicators

Where does the critical issue of identifying flawed causal reasoning lie?

In locating where the causal assertion is made in an argument (correct)

In distinguishing between causality and conditionality

In determining if an argument is valid

In identifying the conclusion of an argument

Which part of an argument is more likely to lead to a mistaken cause and effect reasoning?

Conclusion Signup and view all the answers

In a basic causal conclusion, what is the central assumption?

There is a causal relationship between the events mentioned Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicators is typically used to indicate a causal relationship?

Promoted by Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between causality and conditionality?

Type of relationship Signup and view all the answers

In a basic cause and effect relationship, what does the term 'activator' refer to?

The event that makes the other occur Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a situation that can lead to errors in causality?

Multiple causes for a single effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the central assumption of basic causal conclusions?

The cause must precede the effect Signup and view all the answers

In a basic causal conclusion on the LSAT, what does the speaker assume about the stated cause?

It is the only possible cause. Signup and view all the answers

How does a flawed causal argument typically connect two premises in LSAT questions?

By assuming a direct causation without evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key assumption made by an LSAT speaker when concluding a basic causal relationship?

There are no other possible causes. Signup and view all the answers

When identifying a basic causal relationship in an LSAT problem, what is the main approach to weaken the argument?

Disprove the necessity of the cause for the effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common error in LSAT arguments that involve basic causal conclusions?

Assuming correlation as causation. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reasoning error occurs when the author concludes that one event must cause another just because they occur together?

Correlation reasoning Signup and view all the answers

In the LSAT, what aspect of an argument are the makers more concerned with challenging?

Logical conclusion drawn Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception that leads to errors in causality according to the text?

Correlation implies causation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement represents a basic causal conclusion?

Whenever A, then B Signup and view all the answers

What is a situation identified in the text that can lead to errors of causality?

When one event occurs before another event Signup and view all the answers

Which type of answer would weaken the conclusion by showing that even when the cause occurs, the effect does not occur?

Show that the effect occurs but the cause is not always present Signup and view all the answers

Which action would undermine the conclusion by showing that the relationship is reversed?

Showing that the claimed effect is actually the cause of the claimed cause Signup and view all the answers

How can one attack a basic causal conclusion by implying that a necessary condition is not always present?

Demonstrate an instance where the cause does not lead to the effect Signup and view all the answers

Which approach would weaken a conclusion by demonstrating an alternate cause for the stated effect?

Demonstrating another cause leads to the same effect Signup and view all the answers

In attacking a basic causal conclusion, how can one cast doubt on the validity of the causal claim by pointing out an error in the data used?

Prove there is a statistical problem with the data used for the causal statement Signup and view all the answers

What is a common error when two events occur simultaneously, according to the text?

Assuming that one event must have caused the other Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger of assuming a causal relationship between two events without considering other factors?

Neglecting potential alternative causes Signup and view all the answers

In the example provided, what is suggested as a possible explanation for the correlation between ice cream consumption and the murder rate?

Hot weather is a factor influencing both ice cream consumption and the murder rate Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a basic causal conclusion from a necessary condition in discussions about causality?

Basic causal conclusions assume direct causation, while necessary conditions emphasize potential outcomes Signup and view all the answers

How should one approach attacking a basic causal conclusion, according to the text?

By identifying all possible alternative explanations Signup and view all the answers

In basic cause and effect relationships, what is the implication regarding the temporal sequence of cause and effect?

The cause must happen first and the effect must happen at some point in time after the cause. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the relationship between events in cause and effect statements from that in conditional statements?

In conditional statements, the sufficient condition does not make the necessary condition happen, just indicates its occurrence. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of statement uses language that introduces each type of relationship very differently due to their nature?

Cause and effect statements Signup and view all the answers

What is the central assumption in basic causal conclusions?

The sufficient condition will always ensure the necessary condition. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation could potentially lead to a flawed causal reasoning?

When the necessary condition is ignored. Signup and view all the answers

How does a basic conditional conclusion differ from a basic causal conclusion?

A causal conclusion focuses on sufficient and necessary conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically required for a necessary condition to be met in a causal relationship?

'If' and 'only if' logic statements. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of error can arise when attacking a basic causal conclusion due to misinterpretation of conditions?

'Post hoc ergo propter hoc' fallacy. Signup and view all the answers

What is important to consider when distinguishing between causality and conditionality?

'Cause' indicates a physical relationship; 'condition' indicates a logical relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best illustrates the distinction between necessary and sufficient conditions?

If I drink coffee, I stay awake. (Necessary condition) Signup and view all the answers