Abstract_Flaws_Answer_Key Flashcards
Flaw
Answer
Bases its conclusion on claims that are inconsistent with each other
L. Self-Contradiction
Takes for granted that a characteristic of each part of the event must also be true of the whole event
J. Part vs. Whole
Contains premises that cannot all be true
L. Self-Contradiction
The conclusion is a restatement of the premise
D. Circular Reasoning
Generalizes too hastily from a potentially atypical sample
K. Sampling Flaw
Relies on an ambiguity in the term “trace”
H. Equivocation
Assumes that the animals observed are representative of animals in general
K. Sampling Flaw
Mistakes an effect for a cause
C. Causation Flaw
Assumes that a condition under which a phenomenon is said to occur is the only condition under which that phenomenon occurs
F. Conditional Logic (Reversal) or G. Conditional Logic (Negation)
Concludes that each part of a system has a certain property on the basis that the system itself has that property
J. Part vs. Whole
Attempts to discredit a theory by discrediting those who espouse that theory
A. Ad Hominem
Equivocates in regards to a central concept
H. Equivocation
Rejects a claim because of its source rather than its content
A. Ad Hominem
Treats a failure to prove a certain claim as proof that the claim is false
M. Unproven vs. Untrue
Bases a general conclusion on too few examples
K. Sampling Flaw
Fails to consider that a claim that was believed for questionable reasons is nonetheless true
M. Unproven vs. Untrue
Makes an illegitimate appeal to the authority of an expert
B. Appeal to Inappropriate Authority
Neglects the possibility that the phenomenon is the result of both factors
I. False Choice
Fails to consider that an association between two things might be due to their common relationship to a third factor
C. Causation Flaw
Presupposes what it seeks to establish
D. Circular Reasoning
Overlooks the possibility that the same thing may contribute to both phenomena
C. Causation Flaw or I. False Choice
Fails to consider that the end result may be caused by neither phenomenon
I. False Choice
Treats a condition that is required for a certain outcome as though that condition is enough to produce that outcome
F. Conditional Logic (Reversal)
Treats a potential cause as an effect
C. Causation Flaw
Relies on the use of an inappropriate analogy
E. Comparison Flaw
