Homework: Implicit Premises. Deductive vs. Inductive Arguments

HOMEWORK
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Instructor’s Name
Course
(February 14, 2012)
Homework
Part I: Implicit Premises
1. I am talking to a mammal; therefore, I am talking to a human.
The implicit premise is on mammals and what comprises of mammals; the argument is whether humans are mammals.
2. Vincent just had a big lasagna dinner, so I know he is very happy now.
The implicit premise is on the dinner that Vincent had and not the content of the dinner.
3. Whenever your car’s engine is flooded, you should put the accelerator right to the floor and then try to start it. So floor it and try again.
The implicit premise lies on the right action to take when the car engine is flooded
4. Living in a large metropolis like Chicago is much more stressful than living in a small town. That is probably why Jennifer is more uptight than her sister.
The implicit premise is on the stressful living experienced by the persons living in large metropolis.
5. Well, it’s no wonder he failed his mid-term. He skipped more classes than he attended.
The implicit premise is on the absence in classes which eventually lead to failing exams.
Part II: Deductive vs. Inductive Arguments
6. If Frodo makes it through Shelob’s lair, then Bilbo will be saved. If Bilbo is saved, then Gollum will lose his precious ring. So, if Frodo makes it through Shelob’s lair, then Gollum will lose his precious ring.
This is a deductive argument, valid and strong.
7. In each of the past forty years, more than 15 inches of rain has fallen in Seattle. So, more than 15 inches of rain will probably fall next year in Seattle.
This is an inductive argument valid but weak.
8. Washington is the only city in the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia is in the United States. Therefore, Washington is the capital of the United States.
Deductive argument invalid and strong
9. The city council is unfair to city employees. Jones is a city councilor. Hence, Jones is unfair to city employees.
Inductive invalid and weak
Part III: Diagramming Arguments
10. Anyone who has brains and ambition will go far in this world (1). Carla has certainly got plenty of both, so she will go far (2).
1 2
11. I have never had any problems with the last four Fords I’ve bought (1), so I don’t think I’ll have any problems this time (2).
1 2
12. The Mets...