Logical Reasoning

PT130 · S4 · Q15 Proofs relying crucially

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Proofs relying crucially on computers provide less certainty than do proofs not requiring computers.

Given

Proofs relying crucially on computers provide less certainty than do proofs not requiring computers.

Human cognition alone cannot verify computer-dependent proofs.

Such proofs [those that RCC → ~CC rely crucially on computers] can never provide the degree of certainty [not completely certain] that attends our judgments concerning, for instance, simple arithmetical facts, which can be verified by human calculation.

Of course, in these cases one often uses electronic calculators, but here the computer is a convenience.

15.

The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following?

  1. Only if a proof's result

    Contradiction

    The fourth statement indicates that the use of some computers for certain tasks is simply a matter of convenience.

    4% picked this

  2. Correct

    We can never be completely

    Why this is right

    This follows from the first and second statements. If proofs relying crucially on computers provide less certainty, then we can never be completely certain that they do not contain errors.

    Skill tested: Most Supported · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    58% picked this

  3. Whenever a computer replaces human

    Contradiction

    The fourth statement indicates that the use of some computers for certain tasks is simply a matter of convenience.

    29% picked this

  4. If one can corroborate something

    Negation

    This negates the third ~RCC → CC statement.

    5% picked this

  5. It is impossible to supplement

    Contradiction

    The fourth statement indicates that the use of some computers for certain tasks is simply a matter of convenience.

    3% picked this

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