PHIL 347N Week 4 Checkpoint Quiz
1. Based on what you have read in the text, the lecture, and any other sources you
find helpful to your understanding of deductive arguments, explain the structure
of a deductive argument in your own words.
Your Answer:
I have come to see that deductive arguments have 2 theories that allow them to make
interpretations that determine if the statement is true or false. With this being said if the
statement or theory is all true, then the result or conclusion overall has to be true. If all
of the statements agree with the given result, then the statement is again true. If the
structure and grammar of the statement makes sense and is logical, it is a valid
argument.
2. Go to the box “Deductive Reasoning” (in the beginning of Chapter 8). Read the
last paragraph there. Based on that reading and any other sources you find
helpful to your understanding, describe the part that “rules, operating conditions,
core beliefs, values, policies, principles, procedures, and terminology” (p. 159)
play in deductive arguments.
Your Answer:
That of "rules, operating conditions, core beliefs, values, policies, principles,
procedures, and terminology" all play some part in forming that of a theory or some sort
of statement. We choose to analyze the theory or statement based on primarily
observations and facts, so that we can come up with conclusions. The terminology
helps look at grammar and structures to see if the statement is logical and makes
sense. With our values, principles, and beliefs also play a part in the conclusion of what
we believe or know to be true. When we choose to make deductive arguments, we have
to follow the rules, policies, procedures and operating conditions given to us in order to
develop a theory, so that we can come to a conclusion that is overall true. If we fail to
follow the rules, policies, procedures, and/or operating conditions then our values,
principles, and beliefs are uncertain.
3. In the introduction to Chapter 8, the text sets forth a specific definition of the term
“valid” as it applies to deductive arguments. What is that definition?
Your Answer:
The overall meaning of the term "valid" refers to an argument in which all of the
premises are assumed to be true. It is then impossible for a conclusion to be deemed
false in any circumstance.
4. Use the following template to create a valid Denying the Consequent argument
example:
, If then
It is not the case that
Therefore, it is not the case that
Your Answer:
SO I came up with something along the lines of:
If the girl were to pass English class then she would need to receive a 75% or higher. It
is not the case that the girl will receive a 75% or higher, Therefore, it is not the case that
the girl passed English class.
5. Use the following template to create a valid Affirming the Antecedent argument
example:
If then
Therefore
Your Answer:
If the girl were to pass English with a C then she would have to earn a 75% in English
overall to pass. The girl passed English with a C. Therefore, the girl earned a 75% in
English and passed.
6. Jack says: “I can enroll full time this semester, or I can buy a car. I think going to
school full time is the better option for me, so I’ll have to put off buying a car.”
What name does the text give to this argument structure?
Your Answer:
The textbook describes the above argument as an example of disjunctive syllogism.
This is where we are presented with a sort of alternative, and realize that one or more
of the options will not work out, so we choose the better type of option that would work
for us.
1. Based on what you have read in the text, the lecture, and any other sources you
find helpful to your understanding of deductive arguments, explain the structure
of a deductive argument in your own words.
Your Answer:
I have come to see that deductive arguments have 2 theories that allow them to make
interpretations that determine if the statement is true or false. With this being said if the
statement or theory is all true, then the result or conclusion overall has to be true. If all
of the statements agree with the given result, then the statement is again true. If the
structure and grammar of the statement makes sense and is logical, it is a valid
argument.
2. Go to the box “Deductive Reasoning” (in the beginning of Chapter 8). Read the
last paragraph there. Based on that reading and any other sources you find
helpful to your understanding, describe the part that “rules, operating conditions,
core beliefs, values, policies, principles, procedures, and terminology” (p. 159)
play in deductive arguments.
Your Answer:
That of "rules, operating conditions, core beliefs, values, policies, principles,
procedures, and terminology" all play some part in forming that of a theory or some sort
of statement. We choose to analyze the theory or statement based on primarily
observations and facts, so that we can come up with conclusions. The terminology
helps look at grammar and structures to see if the statement is logical and makes
sense. With our values, principles, and beliefs also play a part in the conclusion of what
we believe or know to be true. When we choose to make deductive arguments, we have
to follow the rules, policies, procedures and operating conditions given to us in order to
develop a theory, so that we can come to a conclusion that is overall true. If we fail to
follow the rules, policies, procedures, and/or operating conditions then our values,
principles, and beliefs are uncertain.
3. In the introduction to Chapter 8, the text sets forth a specific definition of the term
“valid” as it applies to deductive arguments. What is that definition?
Your Answer:
The overall meaning of the term "valid" refers to an argument in which all of the
premises are assumed to be true. It is then impossible for a conclusion to be deemed
false in any circumstance.
4. Use the following template to create a valid Denying the Consequent argument
example:
, If then
It is not the case that
Therefore, it is not the case that
Your Answer:
SO I came up with something along the lines of:
If the girl were to pass English class then she would need to receive a 75% or higher. It
is not the case that the girl will receive a 75% or higher, Therefore, it is not the case that
the girl passed English class.
5. Use the following template to create a valid Affirming the Antecedent argument
example:
If then
Therefore
Your Answer:
If the girl were to pass English with a C then she would have to earn a 75% in English
overall to pass. The girl passed English with a C. Therefore, the girl earned a 75% in
English and passed.
6. Jack says: “I can enroll full time this semester, or I can buy a car. I think going to
school full time is the better option for me, so I’ll have to put off buying a car.”
What name does the text give to this argument structure?
Your Answer:
The textbook describes the above argument as an example of disjunctive syllogism.
This is where we are presented with a sort of alternative, and realize that one or more
of the options will not work out, so we choose the better type of option that would work
for us.
