On Critically Evaluating Inductive Arguments

question 147

Short Answer

On critically evaluating inductive arguments. Read the following arguments and carry out the instructions below.
-Read the following argument and list of additional items. Would the addition of each item strengthen the argument, weaken the argument, or leave the strength of the argument unchanged? Consider each addition separately from the rest.
The Ace Widget Company needs a new delivery truck. The truck must be capable of hauling heavy crates of widgets, and it must be adequate for heavy city driving. The company next door, the Ajax Bakery, has a delivery truck for sale. The Ajax Company's president says the truck worked extremely well for its purposes. The president of Ace concludes that the Ajax truck will make an excellent delivery truck.
a. The Ajax Company never hauled heavy loads.
b. The Ajax Company used its truck mainly on the open highway.
c. The conclusion is changed to: The truck will make a good delivery truck.
d. The conclusion is changed to: The truck will be OK, though not always perfect.
e. The Ajax Company plans to install a new widget-painting machine.
f. The conclusion is changed to: The truck will make an absolutely perfect delivery truck.

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Definitions:

Equilibrium World Price

The price of a good at which the quantity supplied and quantity demanded are equal in the global market.

Domestic Quantity Supplied

The total amount of a product that producers in a country are willing and able to sell at a given price level, within the domestic market.

Domestic Quantity Demanded

The aggregate quantity of a product or service that buyers in a particular nation are ready and capable of buying at a certain price.

Hypothetical Nations

Imaginary or theoretical countries used for the purpose of discussion, analysis, or study in various contexts.