Answer the following seven questions about the reading and videos for the week. Write out your answers on a computer and then either upload the file or paste into the submission text box. Do not write directly into the text box because it doesn’t save your work. If you upload a file, only use doc, docx, pdf, or jpg.
- Explain how each of these arguments is an example of the neglected common cause or cum hoc fallacy:
- Since we instituted this policy prohibiting drug X, drug X use in our nation has dropped 20% per year. This shows that the policy is effective.
- Every time it storms, the barometer drops. Storms must have a powerful effect on barometers.
- The economy has been in a recession ever since the president took office. He’s clearly doing a terrible job.
- Ice cream sales have tripled in the last three months, and crime rates have fallen substantially. We obviously need to keep selling lots of ice cream so that crime rates will drop.
- Explain how each of these arguments is an example of the post hoc fallacy:
- Every time I wear my Flyers jersey, the Flyers win. So, of course I’m wearing my Flyers jersey at tonight’s game, and they’re going to win!
- If you leave meat out long enough, maggots will appear. So, meat produces maggots.
