Sanders PHIL 1301 Test 4

Running head: WEEK 4 1

WEEK 4 3

Question 1

 

The problem of induction is the philosophical thesis that:

we can never have sound arguments.

we can never know if arguments are really strong or weak.

we can never know that the strength of an argument relies on chance.

we can never be certain that the future will be like the past.

Question 2

 

Consider the following argument: It has been 40 degrees in the last 2 weeks. Therefore, it will be 40 degrees tomorrow. This argument is:

deductive.
valid.
	sound.
inductive.

 

Question 3

 

Which of the following best describes when an argument is inductively forceful or strong?

When the conclusion necessarily follows

When the conclusion is very likely to follow

When the argument is valid

When the argument is sound

 

Question 4  

Which of the following best explains why ampliative reasoning is another way to describe induction?

Because ampliative reasoning involves an amplification of the premises. This amplification involves the addition of a likelihood or of chance.

Because ampliative reasoning involves an amplification of soundness. This is because the given inductive argument is valid and strong.

Because ampliative reasoning involves an amplification of validity. This means that the conclusion necessarily follows and thus amplifies the premises.

Because ampliative reasoning involves truth

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preservation. This means that the conclusion necessarily follows and thus amplifies the premises.

 

Question 5

 

Consider the following argument: I have brushed my teeth every day for the last 35 years. Therefore, I will brush my teeth tomorrow. This argument is:

sound.

weak.

strong (forceful).

truth-preserving.

Question 6

 

Match the terminology with the correct definition.

Inductive reasoning Ampliative reasoning Ranking inductive arguments Inductive strength The problem of induction

A. Placing inductive arguments in order from least convincing to most convincing or vice versa B. A philosophical problem which summarizes the fact that because something repeatedly happened in the past, there is no guarantee that it will happen in the future C. Reasoning in which the conclusion is not a matter of logical necessity and thus whether the conclusion follows involves a lack of certainty D. Reasoning which emphasizes the fact that in inductive reasoning the conclusion amplifies what is contained in the premises E. Measuring whether the conclusion is more likely to follow (more likely to be true). In such an argument, the conclusion is more likely to follow.

 

Question 7  

Order the following inductive arguments from strongest (best) to weakest (worse). Recall that an inductive argument is strong when the conclusion is very likely to follow.

I have gone to my favorite restaurant every week for the last three months, and they always have my favorite appetizer. I will go to my favorite restaurant tomorrow. Thus, my favorite restaurant will have my favorite appetizer tomorrow.

I have been alive for 70 years. I have fallen asleep every night since I have been alive. Tonight, I plan to get a good night’s rest after a long day. Therefore, I will fall asleep tonight.

In the past, volcanoes have erupted and destroyed an entire city. Therefore, tomorrow a volcano will erupt and destroy an entire city.

I have driven to work five days a week for the last 15 years, and it has always taken me 10 minutes to get to work. I will drive to work tomorrow. Therefore, it will take me 10 minutes to get to work tomorrow.

Question 8

 

Provide your own example of an inductively strong (forceful) argument and an inductively weak argument. Describe why your first argument is strong and your second argument is weak.
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

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Question 9

1.  

The author of our textbook notes the problem of induction can help us become better thinkers by recognizing that many things we take for granted as true, may not be. For example, we take it for granted that every time we turn our key in our car’s ignition, the car will turn on. If, one day, our car does not turn on, the belief our car will always turn on is falsified (shown to be false). Describe an example of a belief that you take for granted every day. Explain how this belief is based on your, more general, belief that the future will be like the past. In other words, use the problem of induction in your explanation. Lastly, provide a scenario that falsifies your belief. In other words, provide a scenario that shows that your belief is false. For example, my belief that my car will always turn on was falsified this morning by the fact that my car would just not start. Notice that “our car will always turn on” is a generalization based on the fact that our car has always turned on (or turned on most of the time). Make sure the belief you choose to write about is a generalization as well.
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

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