1. Pauline said that after she had removed her new mink coat from the shipping carton she...
Question:
1. Pauline said that after she had removed her new mink coat from the shipping carton she threw it into the trash. We conclude that Pauline has no appreciation for fine furs.
2. We know that induction will provide dependable results in the future becauseit has always worked in the past. Whatever has consistently worked in the past will continue to work in the future, and we know that this is true because it has been established by induction.
3. What goes up must come down. The price of food has been going up for years. Therefore, it will surely come down soon.
4. Mr. Prime Minister, I am certain you will want to release the members of our National Liberation Group whom you currently hold in prison. After all, I'm sure you will want to avoid having car bombs go off in the centers of your most heavily populated cities.
5. Recent studies have shown that conventional food has the same vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients as organic food. Therefore, it's just as good to eat conventional food as organic food.
6. We've all heard the complaint that millions of Americans are without adequate health care. But America's doctors, nurses, and hospitals are among the best in the world. Thousands of people come from abroad every year to be treated here. Clearly there is nothing wrong with our health-care system.
7. Real estate mogul Donald Trump argues that good management is essential to any business. But who is he to talk? Trump's own mismanagement drove Trump Entertainment Resorts into bankruptcy three times in eighteen years.
8. The farmers of our state have asked that we introduce legislation to provide subsidies for soybeans. Unfortunately, we will have to turn down their request. If we give subsidies to the soybean farmers, then the corn and wheat growers will ask for the same thing. Then it will be the cotton growers, citrus growers, truck farmers, and cattle raisers. In the end, the cost will be astronomical.
9. The travel brochure states that walking up O'Connell Street, the statue of Parnell comes into view. Apparently that statue has no trouble getting around.
10. Criminals are basically stupid, because anyone who isn't basically stupid wouldn't be a criminal.
11. Professor Glazebrooks's theory about the origin of the Martian craters is undoubtedly true. Rudolph Orkin, the great concert pianist, announced his support of the theory in this morning's newspaper.
12. Mr. Franklin has lost at the craps table for the last ten throws of the dice. Therefore, it is extremely likely that he will win on the next throw.
13. Raising a child is like growing a tree. Sometimes violent things, such as cutting off branches, have to be done to force the tree to grow straight. Similarly, corporal punishment must sometimes be inflicted on children to force them to develop properly.
14. Good steaks are rare these days, so don't order yours well done.
15. The Book of Mormon is true because it was written by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith wrote the truth because he was divinely inspired. We know that Joseph Smith was divinely inspired because the Book of Mormon says that he was, and the Book of Mormon is true.
16. The students attending Bradford College come from every one of the fifty states. Michelle attends Bradford College. Therefore, Michelle comes from every one of the fifty states.
17. Rhubarb pie is a dessert. Therefore, whoever eats rhubarb pie eats a dessert.
18. The vast majority of car accidents occur within twenty miles of one's home. Apparently it is much more dangerous to drive close to home than far away from home.
19. Either you buy me a new BMW, or I won't be able to get back and forth to school. I know you want me to go to school, so the choice is clear.
20. Nobody has ever proved that using cell phones causes brain tumors. Therefore, using cell phones does not cause brain tumors.
21. When I visited Dr. Ames about my cholesterol, she insisted that I go on a statin drug. She says everybody should be on a statin. And when I saw Dr. Collins for depression, he prescribed Prozac. And when the Prozac gave me nausea, he prescribed Zofran to stop the nausea. Doctors are all the same. They all take their orders from the pharmaceutical industry.
22. Dozens of species of plants and animals are being wiped out every year, even though we have laws to prevent it. Clearly, we should repeal the Endangered Species Act.
23. People are driving their cars like maniacs tonight. There must be a full moon.
24. A line is composed of points. Points have no length. Therefore, a line has no length.
25. Are you in favor of the ruinous economic policy of the Democratic Platform Committee?
Identify the fallacies of relevance, weak induction, presumption, ambiguity, and illicit transference committed by the following arguments, giving a brief explanation for your answer. If no fallacy is committed, write "no fallacy."
Step by Step Answer:
A Concise Introduction to Logic
ISBN: 978-1305958098
13th edition
Authors: Patrick J. Hurley, Lori Watson