Philosophy and Logic Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the guarantee against double jeopardy ensure?

No one can be tried twice for the same charge after being acquitted or convicted. (correct)

No one can be retried if new evidence surfaces after a conviction.

No one can be convicted of a lesser charge after an acquittal.

No one can be tried for different charges related to the same incident.

Which choice describes the first option in the trilemma regarding the justification of a belief?

Highlighting circular reasoning.

Inferring Q from R.

Inferring P from Q.

Treating belief in P as self-justifying. (correct)

What does the term 'substitution instance' refer to in argumentative forms?

Specific statements replacing variables in an argument form. (correct)

The instances where arguments are circular.

The infinite variations of a single argument.

The process of creating invalid arguments.

In disjunctive syllogism, what conclusion can be derived if one of the disjuncts is negated?

The stated conclusion must be true. Signup and view all the answers

How many substitution instances are there for disjunctive syllogism?

Infinitely many. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of circular reasoning as described in the trilemma?

It infers a proposition from itself. Signup and view all the answers

What categorizes a categorical argument as invalid?

Inferences that do not logically connect. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a linked argument from a conductive argument?

Removing a premise in a linked argument guarantees the argument is ruined. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the first and third scenarios of the trilemma?

The first halts the regress of justification while the third does not. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would the removal of a premise not spoil an argument?

In a conductive argument, where premises support the conclusion individually. Signup and view all the answers

How do logicians typically evaluate linked arguments?

By mechanical means such as Venn diagrams and truth tables. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a conductive argument being 'inductive'?

It relies on premises individually to suggest likelihood of a conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a prosecutor's case still be strong even if one piece of evidence is refuted?

The remaining evidence may still support a conviction. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a linked argument?

If A happens, then B must happen; thus, A causes B. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when an argument is described as 'conductive'?

Premises can each provide support to the conclusion independently. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a conductive argument if one premise is found to be false?

It may still provide sufficient support for the conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of argument is represented by the following premises: 1. P implies Q 2. Q implies R 3. R implies S 4. So, P must imply S?

Linked argument Signup and view all the answers

What issue is present in the following conductive argument: 1. Nixon helped forge better relations between the U.S. and China. 2. Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency. 3. Nixon ended the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. 4. So, it’s reasonable to conclude that Nixon was a good president?

The premises do not sufficiently support the conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

In the argument 'The death penalty is expensive and requires considerable investment of prosecutor resources,' which type of argument is illustrated?

Conductive argument Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a conductive argument from a linked argument?

Conductive arguments rely on supporting evidence while linked arguments connect premises directly to a conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What problem exists in the following conductive argument: 1. Nixon was a good husband. 2. Nixon was kind to animals. 3. Nixon was born in a farmhouse?

The premises lead to an unsubstantiated conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that some evidence is referred to as 'circumstantial' in a legal context?

It suggests that the evidence does not require direct observation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the argument: 1. Tom says he hates the taste of walnuts. 2. Tom is allergic to walnuts. 3. Tom has always declined any offer of walnuts in the past. 4. So, probably Tom will decline any walnuts you offer him?

Conductive argument Signup and view all the answers

What flaw can be identified in the argument where the defense successfully points out that polygraph results are inadmissible as evidence in court?

The defense's strategy is based on legal technicalities rather than substantive evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main claim of the argument against college education?

College education often leads to unnecessary debt. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason given for opposing tipping?

Only certain professions are tipped. Signup and view all the answers

In the argument against voting, what is one reason provided for not voting?

All politicians are corrupt. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of college education mentioned in the argument, despite its criticisms?

Exposure to a network of peers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a counterpoint addressed in the argument against tipping?

Tipping can improve the quality of service. Signup and view all the answers

According to the arguments presented, what is one consequences of college courses?

They can lead to irrelevant educational burdens. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion is supported about the practice of voting in the argument presented?

It is better to not participate than to support corrupt candidates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of tipping mentioned in the argument?

It can lead to inflated service costs. Signup and view all the answers

How can one reject a normative premise in an argument?

By illustrating its inconsistency with shared deeper moral judgments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between believing P and making P your working assumption?

Believing P means you accept it as true. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios illustrates an exception to a normative premise?

A spouse must stand by their partner unless abuse is involved. Signup and view all the answers

What role do secular moral theories play in evaluating arguments with normative premises?

They provide a common point of moral reference. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of an argument based on the provided content?

An argument consists of statements that have a truth value. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible implication of identifying a premise as inconsistent with an author's deeper commitments?

It compels the author to revise their argument. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following claims is not a reliable way to reject a normative premise?

Arguing it is universally accepted without evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about ethical judgments in arguments?

Ethical judgments can be evaluated against shared moral standards. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The New York Times

Is a reliable source of news

The Guarantee Against Double Jeopardy

Prevents individuals from facing multiple trials for the same charge

Philosophical Trilemma

Offers three potential options for justifying a belief in P
- Accepting P as self-evident, requiring no further proof
- Reasoning in a circle, inferring conclusions from each other in a loop
- Creating an infinite regress, continuously justifying one proposition with another

Argument Forms

Disjunctive syllogism: a valid argument form where the conclusion follows logically from the premises
- Premise 1: Either p or q
- Premise 2: Not p
- Conclusion: So, q
Substitution instance: a specific example of an argument form using concrete statements or classes
- Example: Either Rolls Royce makes sports cars, or Ferrari makes sports cars. Rolls Royce does not make sports cars. So, Ferrari makes sports cars.
Categorical arguments: arguments that make claims about categories or classes
- Example: All A are B. So, all B are A.
Linked argument: an argument in which all premises must be true for the conclusion to be logically valid
- Removing any premise ruins the argument
Conductive argument: an argument in which each premise contributes to the conclusion, but removal of a premise doesn't necessarily invalidate the argument
- Premises are meant to provide independent support for the conclusion, even though combined support is stronger
- Common in everyday life and specialized contexts

Evaluating Conductive Arguments

Consider whether the premises together create a strong enough case for the conclusion
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each individual premise
Determine if the argument appeals to emotions or biases instead of logic

Evaluating Arguments with Normative Premises

Normative premises express ethical judgments or value claims
The strength of an argument with a normative premise depends on:
- Shared moral judgments between the arguer and the evaluator
- Identifying inconsistencies between the normative premise and the arguer's deeper commitments
- Recognizing exceptions to a general normative premise

Important Points

Pragmatic arguments rely on action or assumptions, not necessarily on truth
Evaluating arguments requires understanding their internal logic and underlying assumptions
Arguments should provide sufficient evidence and avoid fallacious reasoning

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Description

Test your understanding of key philosophical concepts and logical argument forms. This quiz covers topics such as the philosophical trilemma, the guarantee against double jeopardy, and various argument forms like disjunctive syllogism. Challenge your reasoning skills and deepen your knowledge in these areas.