Question

in the following argument, identify the premise and conclusion, explain why the argument is deceptive, and, if possible, identify the type of fallacy it represents. claims that fracking causes earthquakes are ridiculous | i live near an oil well and have never felt an earthquake the premise is i live near an oil well and have never felt an earthquake the conclusion is claims that fracking causes earthquakes are ridiculous why is the argument deceptive? choose the correct answer below a. the conclusion is drawn from a limited number of cases b. the lack of knowledge about the truth of a proposition is used as evidence against the proposition c. the fact that one event came before another event is used as evidence that the first event caused the second event d. the argument attempts to divert attention away from the real issue by focusing on an unrelated issue this is an example of a hasty generalization.

Explanation:

1. Premise and Conclusion Identification:

• Premise: "I live near an oil well and have never felt an earthquake" (this is the evidence given to support the conclusion).
• Conclusion: "Claims that fracking causes earthquakes are ridiculous" (this is the statement being argued for).

1. Why the Argument is Deceptive:

• Option A is correct. The argument uses a single person's experience (one case: the speaker's experience near an oil well) to make a general claim about fracking and earthquakes. A single or a very limited number of cases is not sufficient to disprove a general claim about a phenomenon like fracking causing earthquakes, as there could be many other locations where fracking occurs and earthquakes are felt, or other factors at play.
• Option B is incorrect because the argument is not about lack of knowledge (ignorance) being used as evidence, but about a limited sample.
• Option C is incorrect as there is no claim about one event preceding another and causing it; the argument is about the absence of an event (earthquake) in one location.
• Option D is incorrect as the argument is not diverting attention to an unrelated issue; it is using a personal experience related (though limited) to the issue.

1. Fallacy Type:

• This is a Hasty Generalization. A hasty generalization occurs when a conclusion is drawn from a sample that is too small or unrepresentative to support the general conclusion. Here, the speaker uses their own single experience (living near an oil well and not feeling an earthquake) to generalize that fracking does not cause earthquakes, ignoring the possibility of other cases or factors.

Answer:

• Premise: "I live near an oil well and have never felt an earthquake"
• Conclusion: "Claims that fracking causes earthquakes are ridiculous"
• Why the argument is deceptive: A (The conclusion is drawn from a limited number of cases)
• Fallacy type: Hasty Generalization