Question 1
pts
Which of the following is necessary in order for an explanation to be adequate?
It does not agree with other human knowledge
It provides an overly complex solution
Correct Answer
It is noncircular
You Answered
It is contradicted by other instances
The answer can be found in Section 6.5, “Inference to the Best Explanation,” of With Good Reason: A
Guide to Critical Thinking.
Question 2
pts
Inductive arguments are preferable in some instances because they __________.
are not as available
are more limited than deductive arguments
Correct Answer
can be more persuasive
You Answered
have more truth
The answer can be found in Section 6.2, “Choosing Between Induction and Deduction,” of With Good
Reason: A Guide to Critical Thinking.
Question 3
pts
Is the following argument deductive or inductive?
, “All planets go in elliptical orbits. Neptune is a planet. So, Neptune must go in an elliptical orbit.”
You Answered
Inductive
Correct Answer
Deductive
Neither deductive nor deductive
It is impossible to tell
The answer can be found in Section 6.1, “Contrasting Deduction and Induction,” of With Good Reason: A
Guide to Critical Thinking.
Question 4
pts
Is the following argument deductive or inductive?
“The data continue to align with what one would expect if P were true. Therefore, P may be true.”
Correct!
Inductive
Deductive
Neither deductive nor deductive
Question 5
pts
Which one of the following is most likely not an inference to the best explanation?
“The sky is getting bright. It must be morning.”
Correct Answer
“All dogs are mammals. So, Fido is a mammal.”
You Answered
pts
Which of the following is necessary in order for an explanation to be adequate?
It does not agree with other human knowledge
It provides an overly complex solution
Correct Answer
It is noncircular
You Answered
It is contradicted by other instances
The answer can be found in Section 6.5, “Inference to the Best Explanation,” of With Good Reason: A
Guide to Critical Thinking.
Question 2
pts
Inductive arguments are preferable in some instances because they __________.
are not as available
are more limited than deductive arguments
Correct Answer
can be more persuasive
You Answered
have more truth
The answer can be found in Section 6.2, “Choosing Between Induction and Deduction,” of With Good
Reason: A Guide to Critical Thinking.
Question 3
pts
Is the following argument deductive or inductive?
, “All planets go in elliptical orbits. Neptune is a planet. So, Neptune must go in an elliptical orbit.”
You Answered
Inductive
Correct Answer
Deductive
Neither deductive nor deductive
It is impossible to tell
The answer can be found in Section 6.1, “Contrasting Deduction and Induction,” of With Good Reason: A
Guide to Critical Thinking.
Question 4
pts
Is the following argument deductive or inductive?
“The data continue to align with what one would expect if P were true. Therefore, P may be true.”
Correct!
Inductive
Deductive
Neither deductive nor deductive
Question 5
pts
Which one of the following is most likely not an inference to the best explanation?
“The sky is getting bright. It must be morning.”
Correct Answer
“All dogs are mammals. So, Fido is a mammal.”
You Answered
