Unit 2: Premises, Conclusions, and Validity

1. 1. The statement an argument's premises are meant to support is called the:

   RebuttalConclusionWarrantPremise

2. 2. An argument is valid when:

   The conclusion would have to be true if the premises are trueAll its premises are trueIt is delivered persuasivelyIt uses scientific evidence

3. 3. True or False?

   "A sound argument must be both valid and have true premises."

   TrueFalse

4. 4. Inference to the best explanation typically requires:

   A strict two-premise syllogismA unanimous panel decisionComparing rival explanations for an observed factIgnoring all empirical evidence

5. 5. A word shifting meaning mid-argument to create a false appearance of validity is:

   FalsifiabilityA priori reasoningEquivocationEmpiricism

6. 6. Treating a moral claim as though a lab experiment could directly measure it is an example of:

   A sound argumentInference to the best explanationA valid syllogismA category error

7. 7. True or False?

   "Attacking the soundness of an opponent's argument is often more strategically effective than attacking its validity."

   TrueFalse

Take one contention from your case (or a sample BQ contention) and rewrite it explicitly as premises leading to a conclusion. Then identify one place equivocation or a category error could creep in.