Identify whether the argument presented is a deductive argument or a nondeductive argument. Explain your choice.
Every time I have waited until the fall to buy summer clothes, I have gotten great deals on them in sales. Because you want a cheap summer wardrobe, you should wait until the fall to buy your clothes, too!
Question 1. Locate the arguments in the passages provided. Rewrite the argument clearly, and identify the explicit premises. Then, determine whether the conclusion follows from the premises.
We should legalize physician-assisted suicide. If we do so, we will help people who are terminally ill, save on medical expenses, and show that we respect the wishes of dying patients who want access to a death with dignity. It's just the right thing to do!
Question 2. Identify whether there are any implicit premises in the arguments provided. If there are, add them to the argument. Then, determine whether the conclusion follows from the full set of premises, both explicit and implicit.
American universities are eroding their public support. Any social institution that spends beyond the willingness of the public to pay is eroding its public support.
Question 3. Read the following passage entitled Why Gay Marriage Should Remain Illegal in Certain States, and then answer the following questions.
Why Gay Marriage Should Remain Illegal in Certain States
If we prohibit marriage between same-sex couples, we will maintain the institution of marriage as it was intended to be-between a man and a woman for the purpose of love, commitment, and reproduction. It is clear that the institution of marriage is maintained, because people are getting married out of love, to express their commitment for each other, and are having children at a faster rate than ever. Because these are valuable goals, we should continue to ban gay marriage to continue our success in maintaining this important institution.
In order for this argument to be sound, what must be the case?
Question 4. Read the following passage entitled Why Gay Marriage Should Remain Illegal in Certain States, and then answer the following questions:
Why Gay Marriage Should Remain Illegal in Certain States
If we prohibit marriage between same-sex couples, we will maintain the institution of marriage as it was intended to be-between a man and a woman for the purpose of love, commitment, and reproduction. It is clear that the institution of marriage is maintained, because people are getting married out of love, to express their commitment for each other, and are having children at a faster rate than ever. Because these are valuable goals, we should continue to ban gay marriage to continue our success in maintaining this important institution.
Put the argument in standard form. Is the argument valid or invalid? Explain.
Question 5. Define the argument that is presented. Explain how it differs from a deductive argument. Explain the requirements that must be met for it to be successful.
Every sale I've been to at Harold's Shoe Store has yielded great deals, so I'm sure I'll get a great deal on shoes there tomorrow during the sale.
Question 6. Critique the sampling argument.
Every college on the East Coast where I've been a student emphasizes classical thought, so it's pretty obvious that classical thought is a bigger concern there.
Question 7. Define the type of argument. Explain how it differs from a deductive argument. Explain the requirements that it must meet for it to be successful.
We should buy the car that John Smith, our neighbor, is selling. It's a lovely color, very reliable, is a very good price, and we can trust John not to sell us a lemon.
Question 8. Offer an alternative theory to the one presented to explain the phenomenon in question.
The rate of sexually transmitted diseases increases during the grades when students are exposed to sex education. Therefore, sex education encourages students to experiment sexually and transmit diseases.
Question 9. Identify the vague or ambiguous language. Then clarify the language.
Exceptional children should be given additional funding for school.
Question 10. Assess the following argument. Put it into standard form, and clarify vague or unclear language.
Space cannot be expanding unless it is finite. But space is not finite. Hence, space cannot be expanding.