Modes of reasoning Questions

Techniques of Persuasion

MODR1770 Q

Test 2

Test 2 is worth 40 points (20% of the total grade)

The test has 3 Parts.

Part 1:

Identify the proposition (A;E;I;O) on the top line and paraphrase the statements (bottom line), using parameters if necessary (1 each; total 12 points)

1. Only angels can fly ___

2. Today, it is not cold outside ___

_______________________________________________________

3. I was drunk ___

________________________________________________________

4. Some of the seats were taken ____

_____________________________________________________

5. Sometimes lightening strikes ____

_____________________________________________________

6. Well-equipped climbers are the only ones who can’t reach the top. ____

______________________________________________________

7. I always wear a scarf in the winter. ___

______________________________________________________

8. This clock is not beautiful ___

________________________________________________________

9. It always rains in winter ____

________________________________________________________

10. Whenever it rains, it pours ___

______________________________________________________

11. There are bombs that always explode ____

________________________________________________________

12. A house divided against itself cannot stand ____

________________________________________________________

Part 2:

In answering these questions (for Part 2 and Part 3), make sure to complete, scan/photograph, and insert the Venn diagrams at the end of this document.

For each argument, do the following: Put the argument into traditional form (paraphrasing and using parameters and quantifiers as necessary). Assign letters to terms and express the argument schematically (Some B are Cs...) Check the argument for validity using the Venn diagram and the traditional method. Indicate whether it is valid or invalid. If invalid, list all the fallacies committed (Four term fallacy; Fallacy of Undistributed Middle; Fallacy of Illicit Minor; Fallacy of Illicit Major; Fallacy of Illicit Exclusion; Fallacy of Illicit Inclusion) (7 questions, 3 points each; 21 points total)

1. No one who makes his living by farming is ambitious, and he who is ambitious is rich. So, anyone who makes a living by farming is rich.

2. Some warriors are strong, and some strong people are noble. So, some warriors are not noble.

3. Whatever is a hamburger is a sandwich. And yet, pastries are not hamburgers. Hence, pastries are not sandwiches.

4. Award winners are not very tactful. That’s because many award winners are shy, and shy people are not very tactful.

5. Benny did not build a better baby bottle. No one who built a better baby bottle burped. Hence, Benny did not burp.

6. Some happy people are circus employees, but all circus employees are clowns. It follows that some clowns are not happy.

7. Werewolves need haircuts, and some cucumbers are not werewolves. So, some cucumbers do not need haircuts.

Part 3: Solve the following enthymemes by supplying the missing premise or the conclusion (if missing). Do everything as in the previous question. Test argument using traditional method and a Venn diagram. If possible, make sure the result is a valid syllogism. (2 questions, 3.5 points each, for 7 points)

Enthymeme 1: Thales was not practical, for he was a philosopher.

Enthymeme 2: Some lie detector tests are tests of honesty that can be affected by subject’s control of responses. Therefore, some lie detector tests are not reliable.