Logical Reasoning

PT131 · S1 · Q6 Deirdre: Many philosophers

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Deirdre: Many philosophers have argued that the goal of every individual is to achieve happiness—that is, the satisfaction derived from fully living up to one's potential.

Evidence

Many philosophers have argued that the goal of every individual is to achieve happiness—that is, the satisfaction derived from fully living up to one's potential.

They have also claimed that happiness is elusive and can be achieved only after years of sustained effort.

Simply walking along the seashore on a sunny afternoon causes many people to experience feelings of happiness.

Conclusion

They have clearly exaggerated the difficulty of being happy.

Evaluate

Deirdre confuses two very different forms of happiness. While the philosophers discuss the happiness derived from fully living up to one's potential, Deirdre discusses a momentary form of happiness.

6.

Which one of the following most accurately describes a reasoning flaw in Deirdre's argument?

  1. It dismisses a claim because

    Wrong Flaw

    Deirdre does attack the position of these philosophers, but she doesn't do so by attacking them personally.

    4% picked this

  2. It fails to take into

    Wrong Flaw

    The argument does not assert that something will always ensure happiness.

    21% picked this

  3. Correct

    It allows the key term

    Why this is right

    The term "happiness" does shift meaning in the course of the argument in that Deirdre discusses a different form of happiness than that discussed by the philosophers and so does not constitute a relevant counterexample.

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

    69% picked this

  4. It presumes, without providing justification,

    Too Strong

    While the philosophers do assert that happiness is a goal of life, they do not assert that it is the goal of life.

    1% picked this

  5. It makes a generalization based

    Wrong Flaw

    Deidre does not generalize the view belonging to the philosophers discussed as if it belonged to all philosophers.

    5% picked this

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