Identify the flaw in the argument: “Latoya is an expert in the field of microbiology. So, her views on astronomy are probably accurate.” Answer This is a perception versus reality flaw. Expert opinion is a great resource for making an…
Diagram the following conditional statement and find its contrapositive: “You can come to Sonya’s bat mitzvah only if you sit at the cool lunch table.” Answer The diagramming keyword here is “only if.” “Only if” indicates a necessary condition. So…
Identify the flaw in the argument: “We conducted a poll of 20 thirteen-year-old American boys, all of whom go to Central Middle School. 70% of them agreed that 7th grade English teacher, Mrs. Yoshihito-Simons, absolutely blows. The people have spoken!…
Identify the flaw in the argument: “In order to be a good lawyer, it is essential to pass the bar. Since Michael passed the bar, he must be a good lawyer.” Answer This is the fallacy of the converse. Anytime…
Diagram the following conditional statement and find its contrapositive: “Passing a drug test is a precondition of employment in this office.” Answer This is a tricky diagramming question because it does not involve our typical diagramming indicator words. Instead, we…
Identify the flaw in the argument: “An internet streaming company recently asked its subscribers if they were happy with their streaming services. If respondents answered yes, they were given $100 cash. If respondents answered no, all they received was an…
Diagram the following conditional statement and find its contrapositive: “Only the most talented martial artists will ever become black belts.” Answer The conditional keyword here is “only.” “Only” (by itself) indicates a necessary condition. So that means “most talented martial…
Diagram the following conditional statement and any valid inferences it implies: “Arnold will go with Shaina to the dance if, and only if, she thinks he is cute.” Answer The diagramming keyword here is “if, and only if.” This phrase…
Identify the flaw in the argument: “During the summer of 2011, the number of accidents involving people hitting themselves or others with a hammer rose dramatically. That same summer, the movie Thor was released. So, Thor must have caused people…
Diagram the following conditional statement and find its contrapositive: “Whenever the cafeteria sells Frito pies, Lanelle chooses not to bring her lunch.” Answer The diagramming keyword here is “whenever,” which indicates a sufficient condition. Thus, “cafeteria sells Frito pies” is…