PHIL 347 WEEK 3 CHECKPOINT QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS SOLUTION
According to the text, how do the views of stronger, more developed critical thinkers
toward authority differ from those in earlier stages of cognitive development? - ANS-
According to the text, the stronger, more developed critical thinkers are skeptical and
will not believe an authority figure unless they've done their research. They know that
the word "authority" is ambiguous and has two meanings, which can confuse. More
advanced critical thinkers view authority as someone who offers expertise.
Briefly, in your own words, state how the text defines "expert." - ANS-someone who has
thoroughly learned a subject and is also experienced in the subject or field.
When presented with a claim unsupported by reasons (for example, "the health risks of
vaping have been underestimated"), what three options does a critical thinker have to
evaluate such a claim? - ANS-Evaluating the substance
Evaluating the source
Obtaining an independent verification
Is the following statement true or untrue? Explain your answer. "If a claim cannot be
confirmed by an independent investigation, then it must be false." - ANS-Just because a
claim can't be confirmed independently doesn't automatically make it false; it could still
be true but just unverified.
Is the following statement true or untrue? Explain your answer. "If we do not believe that
a claim is true, then we must believe that the claim is false. - ANS-This statement is
untrue. The reason for this is simple, if we think the claim is not true we can still
research the claim and find out it is true.
what four conditions must an argument meet if we are to accept its worthiness and
reasonableness of its conclusion? - ANS-arguable claim or premise, use of evidence
and facts, a warrant, and qualifications.
In an argument with two or more independent reasons, if one of those reasons turns out
to be false, how does a critical thinker apply the test of logical strength to the argument?
Should the critical thinker reject such an argument? Explain your answer. - ANS-A
critical thinker should not reject an argument with two or more independent reasons,
even if one of those reasons is false.
Erwin is charged with statutory rape, which is defined as a having sex with a minor, a
person under the age of 18. Erwin argues: "You can't arrest me just because she's 17
and I'm 21. Yes, we had sex, but it was consensual, plus she will be 18 in two weeks,
and we are planning to get married." Which of the four tests of worthiness does Erwin's
argument fail? Explain your answer. - ANS-Erwin's argument fails the test of relevance.
Even though the sex may have been consensual and the girl will be 18 in 2 weeks, it
ANSWERS SOLUTION
According to the text, how do the views of stronger, more developed critical thinkers
toward authority differ from those in earlier stages of cognitive development? - ANS-
According to the text, the stronger, more developed critical thinkers are skeptical and
will not believe an authority figure unless they've done their research. They know that
the word "authority" is ambiguous and has two meanings, which can confuse. More
advanced critical thinkers view authority as someone who offers expertise.
Briefly, in your own words, state how the text defines "expert." - ANS-someone who has
thoroughly learned a subject and is also experienced in the subject or field.
When presented with a claim unsupported by reasons (for example, "the health risks of
vaping have been underestimated"), what three options does a critical thinker have to
evaluate such a claim? - ANS-Evaluating the substance
Evaluating the source
Obtaining an independent verification
Is the following statement true or untrue? Explain your answer. "If a claim cannot be
confirmed by an independent investigation, then it must be false." - ANS-Just because a
claim can't be confirmed independently doesn't automatically make it false; it could still
be true but just unverified.
Is the following statement true or untrue? Explain your answer. "If we do not believe that
a claim is true, then we must believe that the claim is false. - ANS-This statement is
untrue. The reason for this is simple, if we think the claim is not true we can still
research the claim and find out it is true.
what four conditions must an argument meet if we are to accept its worthiness and
reasonableness of its conclusion? - ANS-arguable claim or premise, use of evidence
and facts, a warrant, and qualifications.
In an argument with two or more independent reasons, if one of those reasons turns out
to be false, how does a critical thinker apply the test of logical strength to the argument?
Should the critical thinker reject such an argument? Explain your answer. - ANS-A
critical thinker should not reject an argument with two or more independent reasons,
even if one of those reasons is false.
Erwin is charged with statutory rape, which is defined as a having sex with a minor, a
person under the age of 18. Erwin argues: "You can't arrest me just because she's 17
and I'm 21. Yes, we had sex, but it was consensual, plus she will be 18 in two weeks,
and we are planning to get married." Which of the four tests of worthiness does Erwin's
argument fail? Explain your answer. - ANS-Erwin's argument fails the test of relevance.
Even though the sex may have been consensual and the girl will be 18 in 2 weeks, it
