AA Philosophy and Critical Thinking 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of argument moves from specific observations to a general conclusion?
- Deductive reasoning
- Inductive reasoning (Correct answer)
- Abductive reasoning
- Analogical reasoning
Correct answer: Inductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning draws broad generalizations from specific cases or observations.
Question 2: A deductive argument is considered valid when:
- Its premises are all true
- Its conclusion is widely accepted
- If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true (Correct answer)
- It contains no logical fallacies
Correct answer: If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true
Validity in deductive logic means the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises, regardless of whether the premises are actually true.
Question 3: Which philosopher is known for the Socratic method of questioning?
- Aristotle
- Plato
- Socrates (Correct answer)
- Descartes
Correct answer: Socrates
Socrates developed the dialectical method of inquiry through questioning to stimulate critical thinking and expose contradictions.
Question 4: The philosophical position that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience is called:
- Rationalism
- Empiricism (Correct answer)
- Idealism
- Pragmatism
Correct answer: Empiricism
Empiricism holds that knowledge is derived from sensory experience, as championed by philosophers like John Locke and David Hume.
Question 5: Which logical fallacy involves attacking the person making an argument rather than the argument itself?
- Straw man
- Ad hominem (Correct answer)
- False dichotomy
- Slippery slope
Correct answer: Ad hominem
Ad hominem (Latin for 'to the person') is the fallacy of attacking the character or circumstances of the arguer instead of addressing their argument.
Question 6: Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative asks us to:
- Act to maximize overall happiness
- Act only according to principles you could will to be universal laws (Correct answer)
- Follow the virtuous mean between extremes
- Obey natural law as determined by reason
Correct answer: Act only according to principles you could will to be universal laws
Kant's categorical imperative holds that we should act only on principles (maxims) that we could consistently will everyone to follow universally.
Question 7: A sound argument is one that is:
- Valid and has all true premises (Correct answer)
- Persuasive and logically structured
- Valid with at least one true premise
- Based on empirical evidence only
Correct answer: Valid and has all true premises
A sound argument must be both valid (proper logical form) and have all true premises, ensuring the conclusion is actually true.
AA Philosophy and Critical Thinking 1
Which type of argument moves from specific observations to a general conclusion?