Argument Matrix and Informal Fallacies
Dr. Holland, Fall Session
Name Katie Guevara-Ponce
:
Part 1: Valid or Invalid Arguments (5 points each)
Complete the following three steps for the questions below.
1. Read the argument.
|
2. Determine if the argument
is valid or invalid.
/ \
3. If Invalid 3. If Valid
Identify the argument form OR Identify the argument form. (no
and further explanation is
Explain why the argument necessary)
is invalid.
Below, you will find an example of how to label each argument as "valid" or "invalid."
Argument Valid? Form of argument /
explanation
EXAMPLE:
Argument Form: This is an
(1) If Joe is eligible to be president,
he is 35 or older. example of the fallacy of
INVALID “affirming the consequent.”
(2) Joe is 35 or older.
(3) Joe is eligible to be president. Explanation if Invalid: Being 35
or older is required. However, it is
not the only condition for being
president. Applicants for president
must also be a natural born U.S.
citizen and not a felon.
, EXAMPLE:
Argument Form: This is an
(1) If Emma is a GCU example of the standard form
student, she can minor in VALID modus ponens.
philosophy.
(2) Emma is a GCU student. Explanation if Invalid: N/A
(3) Therefore, she can minor in
philosophy.
Using the above matrix as a guide, complete the following questions. (5 points each)
Argument Valid? Form of argument /
explanation
1
Valid Argument Form:
. (1) If Jack is severely nearsighted, then he
needs glasses. Modus Tollens
(2) Jack does not need glasses.
Explanation if Invalid:
(3) Therefore, Jack is not severely
nearsighted.
2
Invalid Argument Form:
. (1) If Jill plays football in the NFL, then she
is a professional athlete. Denying the antecedent
(2) Jill does not play football in the NFL.
Explanation if Invalid:
(3) Therefore, Jill is not a professional
athlete. Denying the antecedent,
suppose to be modus
tollens
3
Invalid Argument Form:
. (1) If Marie is in Paris under the Eiffel
Affirming the
Tower, then she is in France.
consequent
(2) Marie is in France.
Explanation if Invalid:
(3) Therefore, Marie is in Paris under the
Eiffel Tower. Affirming the
consequent, supposed to
be modus ponens
Dr. Holland, Fall Session
Name Katie Guevara-Ponce
:
Part 1: Valid or Invalid Arguments (5 points each)
Complete the following three steps for the questions below.
1. Read the argument.
|
2. Determine if the argument
is valid or invalid.
/ \
3. If Invalid 3. If Valid
Identify the argument form OR Identify the argument form. (no
and further explanation is
Explain why the argument necessary)
is invalid.
Below, you will find an example of how to label each argument as "valid" or "invalid."
Argument Valid? Form of argument /
explanation
EXAMPLE:
Argument Form: This is an
(1) If Joe is eligible to be president,
he is 35 or older. example of the fallacy of
INVALID “affirming the consequent.”
(2) Joe is 35 or older.
(3) Joe is eligible to be president. Explanation if Invalid: Being 35
or older is required. However, it is
not the only condition for being
president. Applicants for president
must also be a natural born U.S.
citizen and not a felon.
, EXAMPLE:
Argument Form: This is an
(1) If Emma is a GCU example of the standard form
student, she can minor in VALID modus ponens.
philosophy.
(2) Emma is a GCU student. Explanation if Invalid: N/A
(3) Therefore, she can minor in
philosophy.
Using the above matrix as a guide, complete the following questions. (5 points each)
Argument Valid? Form of argument /
explanation
1
Valid Argument Form:
. (1) If Jack is severely nearsighted, then he
needs glasses. Modus Tollens
(2) Jack does not need glasses.
Explanation if Invalid:
(3) Therefore, Jack is not severely
nearsighted.
2
Invalid Argument Form:
. (1) If Jill plays football in the NFL, then she
is a professional athlete. Denying the antecedent
(2) Jill does not play football in the NFL.
Explanation if Invalid:
(3) Therefore, Jill is not a professional
athlete. Denying the antecedent,
suppose to be modus
tollens
3
Invalid Argument Form:
. (1) If Marie is in Paris under the Eiffel
Affirming the
Tower, then she is in France.
consequent
(2) Marie is in France.
Explanation if Invalid:
(3) Therefore, Marie is in Paris under the
Eiffel Tower. Affirming the
consequent, supposed to
be modus ponens
