1. (3 points each) (True or false? Which of the following statements are true?

Which are
false? NOTE: These problems were randomly selected. They could all be true or all be
false.

(a) A sound argument is valid. T

(b) If the premises of a valid argument are true, so is the conclusion. T

(c) If at least one premise of a deductive argument is false, the argument is unsound. T

(d) Some premises are invalid. T(I'm a little confused on the statement)

2. (3 point each)Recognizing statements Which of the following sentences are statements?

Place a checkmark for the sentences that are statements. NOTE: These problems were
randomly selected. It could be that all or none are statements.

Y = Check

(a) I asked you to close the door.Y

(b) Don’t forget to take your cap.X
(c) Are you sure you want to do that? X

3. (5 points each) Explicating arguments. Explicate the following arguments, paraphrasing

when necessary.

(I hope that is what you meant for me to do)

(a)Of course the Republicans will confirm a Supreme Court justice. There’s nothing in
the Constitution to prevent it and it’s good for the party. Do you think the Democrats wouldn’t do
the same thing?

“Of course the Republicans will confirm a Supreme Court justice.”

This is a statement with an opinion about the action of what the republican will do

“There’s nothing in the Constitution to prevent it and it’s good for the party.”
The first part is claim that is a known fact, and the second part is opinion about the benefits”
Do you think the Democrats would do the same thing?
This part is a question making the reader think about the action of the Democrats

(b) How can you say that bluegrass is lame? Bluegrass musicians are tight and the melodies
are sweet

How can you say that blue grass is lame?

This is a question with an expression of disbelief.

Bluegrass musicians are tight and the melodies are sweet

These are statements with the opinion that Bluegrass is cool and the instrumentals are nice

(c) If you trust him so much, why don’t you let him in your house?
This is a question with doubt about trusting a person

4. (4 points each) Enthymemes. Each of the following arguments omits a premise or a

conclusion. State whether it is a missing premise or conclusion and state the missing
component.

A.) Fruity Pebbles stays crunchy in milk and Raisin Bran doesn’t. Fruity Pebbles is sweet and
sugary and Raisin Bran isn’t. Fruity Pebbles just tastes better and doesn’t have nasty ol’ raisins
in it. Need I say more?

The argument is missing a conclusion.

Conclusion: Fruity pebbles is a better cereal choice than Raisin Bran.

B.)Low profile tires may be fine on roads with no potholes, but this is Boston. Low profile tires
are terrible here.

The argument is missing a conclusion

Conclusion: Therefore having Low profile tires is terrible to put on your car while living in
Boston.

C.) Because we’re out of onions, I don’t want to make hamburgers.

The argument is missing an extra premise and conclusion. [This question confused me]

Premise: Onions make the hamburgers taste better,

 Conclusion: Therefore because of the missing onions, I don’t want to make hamburgers

.5. (6 points each) Counterexamples The following argument forms are invalid. Provide a
counterexample for each
[I am a little confused on how the question is asked. Do you want us to write out the counter
example or do you want use to do the {All C are B and all Z are B so all C and Z are B}]

(a) All catboats are boats.

All sailboats are boats.
So, all catboats are sailboats..

Counterexample:
All C are B
All S are B
So, all C and S are B.
(b) No bicycles are cars.
No cars are Schwinns.
So, all Schwinns are bicycles.

Counterexample:
No B are C
No C are S
So, all B and C are not S
(c) All dogs are mammals.
All collies are mammals.
So, all collies are dogs.

Counterexample:
All D are M
All C are M
So,C are not D

6.(3 points each) Arguments and non-arguments:Place a checkmark next to the

passages which are arguments. NOTE: These problems were randomly selected. It is possible
that all or none are arguments.

Y = Check

(a) If you want a new car, you need to get a job. Y

(b) I can’t refund your money. You don’t have a receipt, the dress is stained and, anyway,
this is a coffee shop. Y
 (c) The theory of natural selection is the dominant scientific theory of the origins of
species today, but not everyone agrees. Probably the most popular competing theory is
intelligent design. This theory argues that the complexity of species requires an intelligent
designer. Y

7. (4 points each) Argument Forms:Identify the argument form for each of the following
arguments. Name the form and indicate whether it is valid or invalid.

(a) If the Stones are decent guys, then they credit the old bluesmen. The Stones do
credit the old bluesmen. Hence they are decent guys.

Argument Form:Hypothetical syllogism

Valid

(B) If you are too nice, then people will walk all over you. You are too nice. Thus, people
will walk all over you.
Argument Form: Modes Ponus

Valid

(c) If Joe is the Mad Bomber, then he is truly insane. Joe is truly insane. Therefore, he is
that Mad Bomber.

Argument Form: Fallacy of affirming the consequent

Invalid

(d) If it’s Tuesday, then Al’s Big Fat Burgers is closed. Al’s Big Fat Burgers is not closed, so it’s
not Tuesday.

Argument Form: Fallacy of Denying the antecedent

Valid

8. Inductive arguments: Each of the following are inductive arguments. Write down one
premise that, if added, would make the argument stronger and one which would make the
argument weaker

Most of Dorchester votes Democratic and Fred lives in Dorchester. Fred probably votes
Democratic.
Premise: Fred said that he leans towards the democratic ideas. Therefor Fred probably votes
Democratic

Weaker argument: Fred said that he leans towards the Republican ideals. Fred probably votes
democratic anyway.

(b) I saw him pack his car. I don’t think he’ll ever come back to Bugtussle.

Premise: He had a lot of important things packed in his truck

Weaker argument: He didn’t pack a lot of stuff. I don't think he’ll ever come back to Bugtussle.

(c) She’s taken out a lot of student loans. I’ll bet she’s in debt for decades.

Premise: each of the student loans were 35k each. I’ll bet she’ll be in debt for decades

Weaker argument: Each of the loans were 2k each and she was in school for 4. I’ll bet she’ll be
in debt for decades.