Logical Fallacies Exam with correct
Answers
Hasty generalization - Correct Answers -Definition: Making assumptions about a whole
group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is
atypical or just too small).
Hasty generalization - Correct Answers -Example: "My roommate said her philosophy
class was hard, and the one I'm in is hard, too. All philosophy classes must be hard!"
Missing the Point - Correct Answers -Definition: The premises of an argument do
support a particular conclusion--but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws.
Missing the Point - Correct Answers -Example: "The seriousness of a punishment
should match the seriousness of the crime. Right now, the punishment for drunk driving
may simply be a fine. But drunk driving is a very serious crime that can kill innocent
people. So the death penalty should be the punishment for drunk driving."
Post hoc - Correct Answers -Definition: Assuming that because B comes after A, A
caused B.
Post hoc - Correct Answers -Examples: "President Jones raised taxes, and then the
rate of violent crime went up. Jones is responsible for the rise in crime."
False Dichotomy - Correct Answers -Definition: In false dichotomy, the arguer sets up
the situation so it looks like there are only two choices. The arguer then eliminates one
of the choices, so it seems that we are left with only one option: the one the arguer
wanted us to pick in the first place.
False Dichotomy - Correct Answers -Example: "Caldwell Hall is in bad shape. Either we
tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students' safety. Obviously
we shouldn't risk anyone's safety, so we must tear the building down."
Begging the Question - Correct Answers -Definition: A complicated fallacy, an argument
that begs the question asks the reader to simply accept the conclusion without providing
real evidence
Answers
Hasty generalization - Correct Answers -Definition: Making assumptions about a whole
group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is
atypical or just too small).
Hasty generalization - Correct Answers -Example: "My roommate said her philosophy
class was hard, and the one I'm in is hard, too. All philosophy classes must be hard!"
Missing the Point - Correct Answers -Definition: The premises of an argument do
support a particular conclusion--but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws.
Missing the Point - Correct Answers -Example: "The seriousness of a punishment
should match the seriousness of the crime. Right now, the punishment for drunk driving
may simply be a fine. But drunk driving is a very serious crime that can kill innocent
people. So the death penalty should be the punishment for drunk driving."
Post hoc - Correct Answers -Definition: Assuming that because B comes after A, A
caused B.
Post hoc - Correct Answers -Examples: "President Jones raised taxes, and then the
rate of violent crime went up. Jones is responsible for the rise in crime."
False Dichotomy - Correct Answers -Definition: In false dichotomy, the arguer sets up
the situation so it looks like there are only two choices. The arguer then eliminates one
of the choices, so it seems that we are left with only one option: the one the arguer
wanted us to pick in the first place.
False Dichotomy - Correct Answers -Example: "Caldwell Hall is in bad shape. Either we
tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students' safety. Obviously
we shouldn't risk anyone's safety, so we must tear the building down."
Begging the Question - Correct Answers -Definition: A complicated fallacy, an argument
that begs the question asks the reader to simply accept the conclusion without providing
real evidence
