Identify the fallacies of weak induction committed by the following arguments, giving a brief explanation for your answer: 1. No one has ever been able to prove the existence of ex... Identify the fallacies of weak induction committed by the following arguments, giving a brief explanation for your answer: 1. No one has ever been able to prove the existence of extrasensory perception. We must therefore conclude that extrasensory perception is a myth. 2. Lester Brown, universally respected geographer has said that the destruction of tropical rain forests is one of the ten most serious worldwide problems. Thus, it must be the case that this is indeed a very serious problem. 3. A few minutes after Governor Smith finished his speech on television, a devastating earthquake struck southern America. For the safety of the people up there, it is imperative that Governor Smith make no more speeches. 4. The prohibition of assault weapons must be vigorously opposed. Once the gun-grabbing security forces have outlawed assault weapons, next they’ll go after handguns. After that, it will be shotguns and semiautomatic hunting rifles. In the end, law-abiding citizens will be left totally defenseless against predatory criminals and a tyrannical government. 5. Lettuce is leafy and green and tastes great with a burger. Poison ivy is also leafy and green. Therefore, poison ivy probably tastes great with a veggie burger, too.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to identify the fallacies of weak induction in various arguments and explain our reasoning for each one. This involves analyzing each argument for faulty reasoning that implies a conclusion that is not logically supported by the premises.
Answer
1. Appeal to Ignorance; 2. Appeal to Unqualified Authority; 3. False Cause; 4. Slippery Slope; 5. Weak Analogy
- Appeal to Ignorance; 2. Appeal to Unqualified Authority; 3. False Cause (Post hoc ergo propter hoc); 4. Slippery Slope; 5. Weak Analogy
Answer for screen readers
- Appeal to Ignorance; 2. Appeal to Unqualified Authority; 3. False Cause (Post hoc ergo propter hoc); 4. Slippery Slope; 5. Weak Analogy
More Information
These fallacies of weak induction weaken the argument by using unrelated or insufficient evidence to draw a broad conclusion.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming the truth or falseness of a claim based on lack of evidence (Appeal to Ignorance) or assuming causation from correlation without proper evidence (False Cause).
Sources
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