What This Document Is
This document is a worksheet designed to accompany the Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics (PHI 103) course at Grand Canyon University. It focuses on two core areas of logical reasoning: evaluating the validity of arguments using an argument matrix, and identifying common informal fallacies. It’s a practice-based tool for students to apply concepts learned in the course.
Why This Document Matters
This worksheet is valuable for students learning to critically analyze arguments. It’s used to reinforce understanding of formal logic and to develop skills in recognizing flawed reasoning in everyday discourse. Students will likely use this worksheet as part of their coursework, to prepare for assessments, and to improve their ability to construct and evaluate their own arguments.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This worksheet provides practice, but it doesn’t *teach* the underlying principles of argument validity or fallacies. Students will need to have already engaged with course materials (textbook readings, lectures) to effectively complete it. It also focuses on a specific set of fallacies; many others exist.
What This Document Provides
The worksheet includes:
* A section for applying an argument matrix to determine if arguments are valid or invalid, including identifying argument types (Modus Ponens, Modus Tollens, Affirming the Consequent).
* A symbolic notation exercise, requiring students to represent arguments using logical symbols.
* A matching exercise to identify and define five common informal fallacies (Straw Man, Genetic Fallacy, Ad Populum, Begging the Question, Ad Baculum).
* Space for students to create original examples of each fallacy.
This preview does *not* include completed answers, detailed explanations of the fallacies, or the full textbook content needed to understand the symbolic notation. It is a practice tool, not a comprehensive guide.
