logical reasoning Flashcards
the facts the author uses to support the conclusion
premises
the author’s main point – an opinion, not a fact
conclusion
the fact pattern, the argument passage
squib
quantity term meaning: not ever
never
quantity term meaning: not a single one
none
quantity term meaning: more than one
a few
quantity term meaning: less than half, could be none
few
quantity term meaning: at least one, could be all
many, some
quantity term meaning: more than half
most
quantity term meaning: every since one, every member of the group
all, every, each
inference that indicates the quantity of an item
Quantity Statement
this flaw misinterprets premise information:
- assuming that the absence of any evidence for something proves that it does not exist
- a lack of differentiation between the premise and conclusion
- a misinterpretation of or shift in the meaning of a term
EX: A recent study showed that four out of five children prefer fruits to vegetables. Since people should eat five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, parents should give their children four servings of fruit and one serving of vegetables.
Evidentiary
this flaw draws a faulty conclusion about the verity and reliability of a person based on his or her personal characteristics.
1. Assuming that someone is right due to his or her character and experience
2. Assuming that someone is wrong due to his or her character or experience
EX: 1. The Miss Universe pageant finalist would be the best spokesperson for your product, she she wears makeup every day.
2. We cannot allow Mr. Bebout to chair the fundraiser. Twenty years ago, he went bankrupt.
Personal
this flaw draws a faulty conclusion from statistics. It may:
- ignore other relevant factors
- misinterpret the data
- draw an unwarranted conclusion
EX: The exit poll showed that 76% of the people said they voted for the incumbent. She is sure to be re-elected.
Statistical
this flaw is a faulty comparison of things that may or may not actually be similar
EX: Lat year, out local Boy Scout troop’s fundraiser raised enough money for the troop to travel to Yellowstone National Park. This year they should be able to raise enough money for a trip to Glacier National Park.
Analogy
