Week 2 Homework: Logic & Argument Analysis

Week 2
105S1
Unit 1
Homework
LIGHT — MAX 4 POINTS
a)
Match a word with its definition.
1.
Е
Principal job of sth _____
A.
Interpreted or understood
2.
С
Of earth-shaking importance _____
B.
Likely to
3.
A
Be construed _____
C.
Massive impact
4.
B
Be apt _____
D.
Affected or controlled by
5.
D
Be subject to _____
E.
Main function/purpose
___ / 2
b)
Below are short arguments. Some of them might be flawed or unclear. The task is to:
→
Identify the premises and conclusion in each argument
→
Check if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
1.
The human brain uses about 20% of the body's energy. AI models also require a lot of processing power.
Like the brain, efficient AI systems need to optimize for energy use.
Premise
Theответа
human brain uses about 20% of the body's energy.
Поле
для 1:
ввода
Premise 2: AI models also require a lot of processing power.
Conclusion: Like the brain, efficient AI systems need to optimize for energy use.
The conclusion does not follow logically from the premises, because brains are not simular to AI models.
2.
The speed of light is constant in a vacuum. GPS systems rely on light-speed signal calculations.
GPS would be inaccurate if it didn’t account for relativistic effects.
Premise
The ответа
speed of light is constant in a vacuum
Поле для1:ввода
Premise 2: GPS systems rely on light-speed signal calculations.
Conclusion: GPS would be inaccurate if it didn’t account for relativistic effects
The conclusion follows logically from the premises.
3.
My laptop overheated during a Zoom call. Heat is bad for computers. Zoom causes global warming.
Premise
1:ввода
My laptop
overheated during a Zoom call..
Поле для
ответа
Premise 2: Heat is bad for computers.
Conclusion: Zoom causes global warming.
The conclusion does not follow logically from the premises, because the premises are irrelevant to the conclusion.
1
4.
When a metal is heated, its atoms vibrate more. Vibrating atoms increase resistance in wires.
Electrical wires conduct less efficiently when they overheat.
Поле для1:ввода
ответа
Premise
When
a metal is heated, its atoms vibrate more.
Premise 2: Vibrating atoms increase resistance in wires.
Conclusion: Electrical wires conduct less efficiently when they overheat.
The conclusion follows logically from the premises
___ / 2
PRO — MAX 6 POINTS
a)
Find a short argument (from social media, news, ads). Analyze it in the following steps:
Part 1:
1.
Write down the argument* and provide a link to the source or cite the source.
2.
Identify the premise(s) and conclusion.
3.
Reconstruct the argument in standard form.
4.
Is it valid or invalid?
5.
Is it sound or unsound?
Part 2:
Explain in a short voice message:
→
What makes this argument strong or weak? If it is weak, how would you improve it?
EXAMPLE
Argument:
Gen Z is better with technology because they grew up with smartphones and social media.
Premise 1: People who grow up with technology are more skilled at using it.
Premise 2: Gen Z grew up with technology.
Conclusion: Therefore, Gen Z is better with technology.
The argument is valid. The soundness of the argument, however, depends on whether
the premises are actually true. We need some statistical data to make sure that
the premise "People who grow up with technology are more skilled at using it". is true.
For each answered question, you get 1 point.
* We’ll be happy to read the arguments you’ll find — whether they’re connected to our course topics or to your personal interests.
Just please make sure they don’t break any laws or include anything that could offend someone.
2
Sourse: «Is it OK to play AI songs on the radio?»\\ BBC News
Поле для ввода ответа
(https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98r7975e96o)
Argument: AI music is making artists leave the industry.
Premise 1: Artists have difficulties with promoting their songs
Premise 2: Streaming services and radio stations are promoting AI-generated music.
Conclusion: Therefore, artists are beginning to devalue themselves and leave the industry.
The argument is both invalid and unsound. The BBC article confirms that both premises are true. However,
the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises. We don’t know whether AI is the main reason
artists are leaving the industry.
___ / 6
3