Unacceptable Premises (General)

Question 0

-Argument in which the things being compared are not sufficiently similar in relevant ways
-Ask yourself…
Is there a large number or similarities?
Are the features in common pertinent?’

Answer 0

Faulty Analogy

Question 1

• Drawing a conclusion about a whole group based on an inadequate sample of the group
• Affects enumerative inductions

Answer 1

Hasty Generalization

Question 2

-The mistake of arguing that there is a significant causal connection when there is not.
*Post hoc ergo prompter hoc
-Confusing cause with temporal order (confusing that some
earlier event was a cause merely because it happened
beforehand)
*Non causa pro causa
-Confusing the cause with the effect
*Oversimplified cause
-Overstating a connection when only a slight connection exists

Answer 2

False Cause

Question 3

-Mistake of supporting a conclusion by invoking alleged authorities who in fact have no expertise relevant to the claim that’s being made
*If the authority does not have expertise in the relevant field
*If the authority is not expressing a well represented view among
the experts

Answer 3

Appeal to Unqualified Authority

Question 4

Advice from one student to another on how to prepare for a presentation in speech class… “Just relax and don’t prepare too many notes. That’s what I did, and I got an A.”

Answer 4

Faulty Analogy

Question 5

Don’t shop at MerchMart! It is a horrible store - last time I went there the salespersons were rude, the checkout line was unbelievably slow, and the cashier mischarged my debit card!

Answer 5

Hasty Generalization

Question 6

Overheard in a laundry: “What makes me think abortion is murder? When my pediatrician refused to perform an abortion for me, she said she wouldn’t be a party to murder. Babies and childbirth are her business…you know.”

Answer 6

Appeal to Unqualified Authority

Question 7

I know I got fired because I walked under that ladder yesterday!

Answer 7

False Cause

Question 8

I met Margaret, who is from Missouri and lives in St. Louis. I met Alisa, who is from Missouri and lives in St. Louis. I met Michael, who is from Missouri and lives in St. Louis. Therefore, all Missourians live in St. Louis.

Answer 8

Hasty Generalization

Question 9

Susie and I are alike in a number of features. Susie is not supposed to go to bed at 9:00 pm. So, I’m not supposed to go to end at 9:00 pm.

Answer 9

Faulty Analogy

Question 10

Every time I wear my lucky green sock to my soccer game, my team wins! So, it must be my lucky sock that is the reason we win.

Answer 10

False Cause

Question 11

Harvard Law is a great place to study law, because Uncle Jack says so.

Answer 11

Appeal to Unqualified Authority