basics of logic

Question 1

modus ponens

Answer 1

if a then b. a so b

Question 2

modus tollens

Answer 2

if a then b. not b so not a

Question 3

hypothetical syllogism

Answer 3

if a then b. if b then c. so if a then c

Question 4

disjunctive syllogism

Answer 4

either a or b (or both). not a so b

Question 5

constructive dilemma

Answer 5

either a or b. if a then c. if b then d. so either c or d

Question 6

affirming the consequent (second part)

Answer 6

if the end result (consequent) is true, then the beginning statement (antecedent) must be true as well. if a then c. therefore a

Question 7

denying the antecedent (first part)

Answer 7

if the beginning statement (antecedent) is not true, then the end result (consequent) is not true

Question 8

ad hominem

Answer 8

argument to the man

Question 9

ad populum

Answer 9

appeal to popularity

Question 10

straw man

Answer 10

taking the opponent’s argument and weakly re-stating it

Question 11

red herring

Answer 11

avoiding the point of the argument

Question 12

begging the question

Answer 12

the argument assumes that the conclusion is true instead of supporting it

Question 13

slippery slope

Answer 13

accepting the position and therefore accepting the extreme of that position

Question 14

false dilemma

Answer 14

limiting the number of options when given two options to choose between

Question 15

ad ignorantium

Answer 15

conclusions are drawn from a lack of evidence

Question 16

post hoc

Answer 16

one thing happened after another, therefore the second event must be a product of the first

Question 17

cum hoc

Answer 17

if two things happen at the same time then they are related

Question 18

composition

Answer 18

if parts have the trait then the unit will have the trait

Question 19

division

Answer 19

if the unit has the trait then individuals will have the trait

Question 20

equivocation

Answer 20

misleading statement that uses the term in different senses

Question 21

hasty generalization

Answer 21

getting a conclusion from evidence that is too small