PHIL 347N Week 4

Assignment/ Homework: Deductive Reasoning Worksheet

Total points allocation on each part:

• Part A: 40 points
• Part B: 15 points
  
• Part C: 20 points
  

Total: 75 points

Part A. Deductive Reasoning

Instructions

Select the correct answer for each multiple choice question. 

(5 points x 8 = 40 total points)

Example

Select the answer that represents the proper standard form for the following statement: "A few bears are not mammals."

a. Not all bears are mammals

b. Most bears are mammals

c. Some bears are not mammals

C is the correct answer. 

1.  A deductive argument is one in which the arguer attempts to demonstrate that

2.  Which of the following are forms of deductive arguments?

3.  We can identify an argument as truth functional if

4.  We can identify an argument as categorical deductive if

5.  Identify the kind of argument: "The airbag in Jose's car failed to deploy when he crashed, and anyone whose airbag fails to deploy in a accident will get hurt. Thus, Jose certainly got hurt.

6.  Identify the kind of argument: "Either Naomi goes bowling or Miguel studies. Miguel does not study and Naomi goes bowling. It follows that, if Miguel does not study, then Naomi goes bowling.

7.  Select the answer that represents the proper standard form for the following statement: "Only cows are mammals"

8.  Select the answer that represents the proper standard form for the following statement: "Ducks are the only birds in the pond."

Part B. Truth-Functional Claims Translations: Simple Claims

For the purposes of this document, we will use keys common on most computers. 

The tilde (~) remains the same, but and will be represented by &, or will be represented by V, and If, then will be represented by >.

Use capital T for true and capital F for false

(3 points x 5 = 15 total points)

Instructions

The simple claims below are from the textbook Exercise 7.6 (page 167). 

Designate a letter to represent each simple claim, and then translate the truth-functional claims into symbolic forms. Be sure to provide a breakdown on which claims are represented by which letter.

Example

People often think that all claims are either facts or opinion. 

Answer: F Ú O 

F = People often think that all claims are facts.

O = People often think that all claims are opinions.

1. You will crash the car unless you put on the brakes.

     Answer: ____

2. The cat is in the hat and the Grinch stole Christmas.

     Answer: ____

3. If you study, you will pass the exam

     Answer: ____

4. Jane says she isn't happy, yet she is laughing all the time

     Answer: ____

5. The car does not decelerate.

     Answer: ____

Part C. Truth-Functional Claims Translations: Identifying Operator Identification

For the purposes of this document, we will use keys common on most computers. 

The tilde (~) remains the same, but and will be represented by &, or will be represented by V, and If, then will be represented by >.

Use capital T for true and capital F for false 

(4 points x 5 = 20 total points)

Instructions

From the textbook Exercise 7.11 (pages 170-171), follow the directions for claims below. 

Be sure to identify the claims represented by the capital letters you have chosen as well as the type of main operator (i.e. conjunction, disjunction, negation, or conditional). 

Example

You do not feel safe in the dark, yet your mission is to go into that cave.

S = You do not feel safe in the dark.

M = Your mission is to go into that cave.

Answer: ~ S • M conjunction

1. These apples are neither Granny Smiths nor are they Honey Crisps.

     Answer: ____

2. You do not feel safe in the dark, yet your mission is to go into that cave.

     Answer: ____

3. Only if I do not pass the exam will I miss the next course.

     Answer: ____