Practice Questions for Test 2

1. Practice Questions for Test 2 Critical Thinking Fall 2005 Schreiner University instructor Holloway

2. Definitions

3. Define definition. An explanation of the meaning of a term or expression The question is ill-phrased, since it can not be presumed that I know what the word define means. No answer possible The set of objects denoted by a term.

4. Define essential definition. • An explanation of the meaning of a term or expression • A definition that gives a term’s extension. • A definition that leaves out all non-essential parts.

5. Give a definition of the word argument other than a verbal conflict. • An argument is a dispute arising out of overlooked verbal ambiguity. • A composition whose primary function is to persuade a person by appealing to the person’s reasoning capacity. • A composition consisting of a set of claims one of which, called the “thesis” or “conclusion” is supported by the other(s), called the “premises.”

6. Short Essay

7. Is vagueness or ambiguity involved in the statement "How do reasonable people come to hold unreasonable beliefs?" Support your answer.

8. Is vagueness or ambiguity involved in the statement "Does the sun go around the earth, or the earth around the sun?" Support your answer.

9. Argument Analysis

10. Show the structure of the following argument. The "casting" system shown in the text is sufficient. Since it is only a matter of time before space-based missile technology becomes obsolete, and since the funds that would be used to develop this technology are sorely needed to rebuild the economy, now is not the time to invest in a missile-defense shield.

11. Show the structure of the following argument. The "casting" system shown in the text is sufficient. • Most marriages between people under 20 end in divorce. This should be enough to discourage teenage marriages. But there is also the fact that marrying young reduces one's life options. Married teenagers must forget about adventure and play. They can't afford to spend time "finding themselves." They must concentrate almost exclusively on earning a living. What's more, early marriages can make parents out of young people, who can hardly take care of themselves, let alone an infant.

12. Give the hidden claim in the following argument. • . I'm sorry, but you may stay in the country only if you have a current visa. Your visa has expired.

13. What do we need to know to understand the following argument? • High fructose corn syrup is the worst plague to our citizens since fluoridated water. Anyone with a sweet tooth is in personal jeopardy.