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Difficulty: EasyParallel Conditional Logic

Consider the following two arguments:

Argument 1: If the orchestra performs a symphony, the concert will last over two hours. The orchestra is performing a symphony tonight. Thus, the concert will last over two hours.

Argument 2: If the temperature drops below freezing, the fountain will be turned off. The fountain is turned off tonight. Thus, the temperature dropped below freezing.

The pattern of reasoning in Argument 2 is logically parallel to the pattern of reasoning in Argument 1.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is False because the two arguments use different structural deductions. Argument 1 uses a valid logical structure (If A then B; A is true; therefore B is true). Argument 2 uses an invalid logical flaw known as affirming the consequent (If A then B; B is true; therefore A is true). Because their logical structures do not match, the reasoning is not parallel.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical structure of Argument 1.
Argument 1 structure: If A (performs symphony) -> B (lasts over two hours). A is true. Therefore, B is true. This is a valid deduction.
Identifying the baseline structure is necessary to have a point of comparison.
2
Analyze the logical structure of Argument 2.
Argument 2 structure: If C (temperature drops) -> D (fountain turned off). D is true. Therefore, C is true. This is an invalid deduction (affirming the consequent).
Identifying the second structure allows for structural comparison with the first argument.
3
Compare the two logical structures to determine if they are parallel.
Argument 1 is a valid Modus Ponens structure, while Argument 2 is a flawed structure that affirms the consequent. They are not parallel.
Parallel reasoning requires the arguments to share the exact same logical framework, including validity.

Key Concept

Parallel Conditional Logic
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Topics

Parallel Conditional Logic

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