PHIL 101 Sample Logic Exam

PHIL 101

Critical Thinking

Sample Logic Exam

(Final Exam)

David H. Calhoun

This sample logic exam models the format of the logic exam that will be given during final exam week at the conclusion of the course. While the number of problems will be different, the same three sections will appear on the exam. Students typically complete the exam in about an hour and fifteen minutes.

You will notice that the format of the questions is identical to those on the quizzes. You might wish to review the Sample Quizzes to review for the Logic Exam.

I. Argument Reconstruction and Identification

For each of the following, (a) reconstruct the argument in standard form, (b) identify the argument as deductive or inductive, and (c) write out the argument pattern and identify it (for example, modus ponens, dilemma, generalization, etc.).

1. Either we shall reject Communism to live like the rest of the world, or we shall continue to be the "Socialist choice." But if we continue to be the "Socialist choice," we will continue to live like pigs. On the other hand, if we reject Communism, we face a path that is uncharted and difficult.--adapted from Aleksandr Rutskoy, former Vice-President, Russian Republic

2. That first computer I had back in the late 80s was so slow it was virtually useless. Then the one I got next--the one with the graphical interface--looked nice, but couldn't really do any high-powered tasks. The "business oriented" computer I replaced it with had the power I needed, but after the third power supply burned up I got rid of it too. Then my last one had that problem with calculation errors that got so much attention in the press. My experience alone is enough to show that computers are highly overrated as real tools to accomplish work.

II. Testing for Validity

Test the following arguments for validity, using your knowledge of valid patterns of argumentation, rules of inference, truth tables, or Venn diagrams. Show your work.

Note: to guarantee accurate characters across the web, I've used these symbols (which differ slightly from the ones used in the text):
~ = not
---> = if/then
& = and
v = either/or

1. p & q.
     (s v r) ---> ~t.
     q ---> (~p v s).
     ----------------
     ~t.

2. No P1s are P2s.
     All P3s are P2s.
     m is not a P2.
     ----------------
     m is a P1.

III. Fallacies

For each passage, (a) write the conclusion of the argument, and (b) identify the fallacy that most clearly diagnoses the problem with the argument, and briefly explain your identification

1. If you don't let me select the cover for the memory book, I might just have a talk with the other club members. I've got quite a pull with them, and it would be too bad if you couldn't sell any of the books after spending all of that money on them.

2. Of course I know why I played so poorly in the game this afternoon, Coach! I wasn't wearing my lucky socks. I didn't have a chance.

3. People who are opposed to open immigration into the U.S. don't really even deserve a serious response. After all, their supposedly serious objections to letting "foreigners" in to the United States to enjoy the benefits of freedom and economic opportunity are just fancy--and disguised--versions of racism.

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