WEEK 3 - Validity and Soundness

Question 1

(P1) if it’s an acid, the test strip will turn red
(P2) if is not the case that the test strip will turn red
(C) therefore, it’s not the case that it’s an acid

is an example of what ?

Answer 1

Modus Tollens

Question 2

(P1) If Ron eats one chip, then he will eat the whole bag.
(P2) If Ron eats the whole bag, then he will end up extremely thirsty.
(C) Therefore, if Ron eats one chip, he will end up
extremely thirsty.

is an example of what?

Answer 2

Hypothetical syllogism

Question 3

(P1) Either Rico is taller than Maariyah or Maariyah is taller than Rico.
(P2) It is not the case that Rico is taller than Maariyah.
(C) Therefore, Maariyah is taller than Rico.

is an example of what?

Answer 3

Disjunctive Syllogism

Question 4

(P1) Either Myron wins or Nia wins.
(P2) If Myron wins, unemployment rates will rise.
(P3) If Nia wins, inflation will get out of control.
(C) Therefore, either unemployment rates will rise or inflation will get out of control.

is an example of what ?

Answer 4

Dilemma

Question 5

(P1) flakey chips should be considered a food.
(P2) if flakey chips should be considered a food, then wood chips, cardboard, and styrofoam should be considered foods too
(C) wood chips, cardboard, and styrofoam should be considered foods

is an example of what ?

Answer 5

reductio ad absurdum

Question 6

if P, then Q.
not-P.
Therefore, not Q

is an example of what ?

Answer 6

denying the antecedent

Question 7

an argument is valid …

Answer 7

if and only if it is logically impossible for the premises to be true while the conclusion is false.

Question 8

what is a circular argument ?

Answer 8

is an argument where the conclusion is also a premise