MATH 10-C1 Homework#3

Reasoning and Fallacies

PART 1. Validity and soundness of argument

For each of the following arguments:

i. Represent the argument symbolically.
ii. Determine whether the argument is valid or invalid.
Justify your conclusion by a proof of validity or Euler diagrams, as needed.
iii. Examine the argument for soundness.
Give a short explanation or justification for your conclusions.

Argument A. If I study hard then I will pass the exam. If I did not pass the exam then
I will fail the course. I did not fail the course. Therefore, I study hard.

Argument B. All scientists are mathematicians

Some artists are mathematicians
Therefore, some scientists are artists.

PART 2. Fallacies in editorials OR Fallacies in social media

For fallacies in editorial:

For this part, you are tasked to get examples of fallacious arguments in editorial or
opinion articles from newsprints, news sites or social media.

For fallacies in social media:

For this part, browse any form of popular media: social media feeds, news articles,
TV shows, movies, or commercials and advertisements.

1. Obtain TWO examples of fallacious arguments of different types.

You need to take a picture or a screengrab of the source material.
2. Present the arguments in the premises-conclusion form.
Identify properly the premises and the conclusion.
3. Identify the type of fallacy. You should provide an explanation for this
classification.

Make sure to cite the references for the materials.

How you will be graded

This homework is for a total of 20 points.

Each item in Part 1 is worth 5 points.
Score
Category
3 2 1
Correct conclusion
Correct conclusion but Incorrect conclusion or
For validity with proper
incomplete badly written
(3 pts) explanation or
justification. justification.
justification
For soundness Correct conclusion Incorrect conclusion or
(2 pts) with proper justification improper justification

Each example in Part 2 is worth 5 points.

Score
Category
3 2 1
Provide example and
Type of fallacy is Type of fallacy is
identify type of fallacy Type of fallacy is not
properly identified with properly identified but
and justify properly identified
sufficient explanation lacking in explanation
(3 pts)
Photo or screengrab Only the photo or only
References (2 pts) and reference are the reference is
specified. specified.