Reference no: EM132452668

1. Here is a passage that contains a rhetorical fallacy. Name the fallacy, and in a paragraph, explain why the argument is irrelevant to the point of the passage. Here is your example for this question:

Republican says, "What do you think of our party's new plan for Medicare?"

Democrat says, "I think it is pretty good, as a matter of fact."

Republican, "Oh? Why is that?"

Democrat, "Because you Republicans haven't even offered a plan, that's why!"

2. In the example below, identify the presumed cause and the presumed effect. Does the example contain or imply a causal claim, a hypothesis, or an explanation that cannot be tested? If it does fall into one of those categories, tell whether the problem is due to vagueness, circularity, or some other problem of language. Also, tell whether there might be some way to test the situation if it is possible at all. Here is your example:

The movie No Country for Old Men was a big hit because reviewers gave it a good write-up.

3. Explain in what way the thinking of the following statement is wrong or defective. Give reasons for your judgment.

There must be something to palm reading. Millions of people believe in it.

4. Suppose that a group of immigrants to the United States believes in child sacrifice as an essential part of their religious rituals. If one day the immigrant group becomes so integrated into U.S. society that most of its members no longer believe in child sacrifice, can this be thought of as moral progress from the standpoint of moral relativism?

5. Read this passage below. When you have done so, answer the question in at least one full paragraph, giving specific reasons.

Ed likes to argue with just about anybody on just about anything. One of his favorite arguments is against speeding laws. "Why can't I go as fast as I like?" he asks. "It's a free country, isn't it? I have the right, don't I?" Does Ed have a valid point?