Multiple choice

If the batteries in my electric razor are dead, the razor will not function. My razor is not functioning. Therefore, the batteries must be dead. Which of the following arguments is most similar to that presented above?

  1. If Elroy attends the meeting, Ms. Barker will be elected club president. Ms. Barker was not elected club president; therefore, Elroy did not attend the meeting.

  2. All evidence is admissible unless it is tainted. This evidence is inadmissible. Therefore, it is tainted.

  3. If John committed the crime, his fingerprints will be found at the scene. John's fingerprints were found at the scene; therefore, John committed the crime.

  4. Grant is my uncle. Sophie is Grant's niece. Therefore, Sophie is my sister.
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C Correct answer
Explanation

(3) The stem argument has the form: “lf P, then Q. Q, therefore, P.” The argument is invalid. There may be other reasons that the razor is not functioning, e.g., the switch is not on, it is broken, etc. (3) has this form also. John's fingerprints might have been found at the scene, yet he may not have committed the crime.

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