HU2000: Week 4 Assignment
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How can critical thinking lead to sound inductive and deductive arguments?
This assignment helps you apply your knowledge from this week’s modules
and readings.
Inductive and deductive arguments are two different ways to come up with a
valid and sound argument. Both forms engage an individual in logical and
analytical thinking which require critical thinking skills. An argument is
considered true, strong, or valid when the premises (reasoning) supports the
conclusion. So arguments must be either deductively valid or inductively
strong.
Recognizing Fallacies
Constructing sound arguments requires valid logic and reasoning. If your premises (reasoning) are
incorrect they are considered to be “fallacies”. There are several different types of fallacies that exist.
Once you recognize the fallacies you are more likely to avoid them in your reasoning.
(Hint: refer to textbook Chapter 11 for more information on fallacies.)
1. Match each fallacy with its definition in the chart below.
A. Also known as circular reasoning because the reasoning assumes the conclusion is true.
F. Sometimes occurs due to “peer pressure” or groupthink phenomenon when you may be
influenced to conform to the opinion of the group.
J. A causal situation where we are unsure of the actual root cause of the issue. It’s possible to
ignore a possible cause or to incorrectly assume a common cause.
I. This argument states that the action (or conclusion) is a justified response to another wrong action
(or conclusion).
H. This occurs when there is no real evidence for the argument. Superstitions are a good example
of this.
C. The “either/or” fallacy – the argument presents only two extreme alternatives and does not allow
for alternative options.
D. Indicates that one negative action will lead to another, and then another worse one, and so on
and so forth all leading to a terrible end result
A. Begging the question
B. Hasty generalization
C. False dilemma
E. Appeal to authority
F. Bandwagon
G. Appeal to fear
H. Questionable cause
I. Two wrongs make a right
J. Misidentification of the cause
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E. Basing a belief on a source or person who is not qualified to give an expert opinion on the subject.
G. The argument supports its conclusion not by evidence, but by demands or threats of punishment
or misfortune.
B. A general conclusion is reached based on a very small sample, so the reasons provide weak
support for the conclusion.
Deductive Argument
In a deductive argument, the premises (reasoning) provide such strong support for the conclusion that, if
the premises are true, then it would be impossible for the conclusion to be false. Deductive arguments
are VALID or INVALID.
EXAMPLE:
Valid – All children are young. Johnny is a child. Therefore, Johnny is young.
Invalid – All children are young. Johnny is a child. Therefore, all children are Johnny.
Complete each deductive argument below with a valid conclusion.
2. Premise 1: All humans are mortal.
Premise 2: I am human.
Conclusion: Therefore, I am mortal
3. Premise 1: All birds have feathers.