Quantitative Literacy [exam]
List the two components of a logical argument and also an example. - Answer-Arguments have two
components, called premises and conclusions. The premises of the argument support the conclusion.
The following example illustrates how arguments occur in everyday conversations.
Summarize the fallacy of personal attack and give an example. - Answer-This fallacy occurs when
someone refutes another's ideas by attacking the person rather than the ideas. Examples of Personal
Attack: 1. A senator claims that his new tax plan will help the middle class.
Summarize the fallacy false cause and give an example. - Answer-This fallacy falsely assumes that one
event causes another. Often a reader will mistake a time connection for a cause-effect connection.
EXAMPLES: Every time I wash my car, it rains. Our garage sale made lots of money before Joan showed
up.
List the premise and the conclusion of the following argument:
The dogs are barking. Someone must be outside. - Answer-The speaker is relying on a collection of
experiences to draw an inference. The speaker infers that the barking emanates from a dog, and not just
any dog but the neighbor's dog. Moreover, the speaker associates being upset with lots of barking, and a
lack of the latter with respect to the neighbor's dog. It's also intrusive
List the premise and the conclusion of the following argument:
People love puppies, so don't count on there being any puppies at the animal shelter. - Answer-The
premises is that it's not intrusive. People love dogs, so the premise is to assume there won't be any at
the animal shelter
For the following argument, briefly explain how the fallacy of hasty generalization occurs in the
argument.
List the two components of a logical argument and also an example. - Answer-Arguments have two
components, called premises and conclusions. The premises of the argument support the conclusion.
The following example illustrates how arguments occur in everyday conversations.
Summarize the fallacy of personal attack and give an example. - Answer-This fallacy occurs when
someone refutes another's ideas by attacking the person rather than the ideas. Examples of Personal
Attack: 1. A senator claims that his new tax plan will help the middle class.
Summarize the fallacy false cause and give an example. - Answer-This fallacy falsely assumes that one
event causes another. Often a reader will mistake a time connection for a cause-effect connection.
EXAMPLES: Every time I wash my car, it rains. Our garage sale made lots of money before Joan showed
up.
List the premise and the conclusion of the following argument:
The dogs are barking. Someone must be outside. - Answer-The speaker is relying on a collection of
experiences to draw an inference. The speaker infers that the barking emanates from a dog, and not just
any dog but the neighbor's dog. Moreover, the speaker associates being upset with lots of barking, and a
lack of the latter with respect to the neighbor's dog. It's also intrusive
List the premise and the conclusion of the following argument:
People love puppies, so don't count on there being any puppies at the animal shelter. - Answer-The
premises is that it's not intrusive. People love dogs, so the premise is to assume there won't be any at
the animal shelter
For the following argument, briefly explain how the fallacy of hasty generalization occurs in the
argument.
