C168 Critical Thinking and Logic - Set 1 - Part 1

Correct Answer: Argument

An argument is a set of statements that includes at least one premise and a conclusion. An opinion is just a viewpoint, a fallacy is a flaw in reasoning, and an assumption is a statement taken for granted.

Correct Answer: The quality of the premises

A conclusion depends on the quality and relevance of the premises. It is not based on the opinion of the speaker, length of the argument, or emotional appeal.

Correct Answer: Fallacy

A fallacy is an argument based on poor reasoning. Deductive reasoning is a method used to draw conclusions, an assumption is a statement taken for granted, and a premise is part of an argument.

Correct Answer: Antecedent

In an "if-then" statement, the antecedent is the part prefaced with "if." The consequent follows the "then." An assumption and a premise are different parts of reasoning.

Correct Answer: Reasoning

Reasoning refers to a logical and systematic approach to thinking. Emotion and opinion are subjective and not always systematic, while an assumption is taken for granted in reasoning.

Correct Answer: Statement

A statement is a sentence that can be true or false. A premise supports a conclusion, while a fallacy is a flaw in reasoning. A conclusion is the final statement derived from premises.

Correct Answer: Description

A description is a set of statements meant to draw a mental picture without necessarily providing reasoning or support. A premise and a conclusion involve reasoning, while a fallacy involves poor reasoning.

Correct Answer: Deductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning aims to reach a conclusion that cannot be false if the premises are true. Inductive reasoning makes conclusions that are probable but not certain, while correlation and assumptions are not methods of reasoning.

Correct Answer: Assumption

An assumption is a statement the conclusion depends on. Premises are more explicitly stated, while a fallacy indicates poor reasoning, and correlation refers to a relationship between events.

Correct Answer: Correlation

Correlation refers to events occurring around the same time that may be coincidental. Causation implies one event directly causes another, while inductive and deductive reasoning are approaches to drawing conclusions.

Correct Answer: Conclusion

A conclusion is implied by the premises in an argument. The premises are the starting points, while assumptions are unstated supports, and correlation refers to the relationship between events.

Correct Answer: Modus Ponens

Modus Ponens is the pattern of reasoning where if the antecedent (the "if" part) is affirmed, the consequent (the "then" part) follows. Modus Tollens involves negating the consequent, while the others are different fallacies.

Correct Answer: Post hoc fallacy

The post hoc fallacy assumes causation based merely on the order of events. Begging the question assumes what it’s trying to prove, a false dichotomy limits alternatives, and a straw person misrepresents an argument.

Correct Answer: Conditional

A conditional is an "if-then" statement in reasoning. Premises and assumptions support arguments, while correlation refers to coincidental occurrences.

Correct Answer: Tu quoque

The tu quoque fallacy involves accusing the arguer of hypocrisy rather than addressing the argument. Ad hominem attacks the person rather than the argument, and the other options are different types of fallacies.

Correct Answer: Self-reflection

Self-reflection is the process of examining one’s own thoughts and motives. Reasoning is a logical process, a premise supports conclusions, and assumptions are taken for granted.

Correct Answer: Objective statements

Objective statements are based on factual research and can be verified. Assumptions and premises are part of reasoning, while fallacies involve flawed reasoning.

Correct Answer: Deductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning leads to conclusions that cannot be false if the premises are true. Inductive reasoning suggests probable conclusions, while correlation refers to coincidental events and assumptions support reasoning.

Correct Answer: Premises

Premises are the accepted assumptions in an argument that lead to a conclusion. Conclusions follow from premises, correlations show relationships, and fallacies indicate poor reasoning.

Correct Answer: Description

Descriptions are unsupported statements used to create a mental picture. Premises and conclusions are part of reasoning, and fallacies are errors in reasoning.