Question

Which type of error is this: If I take swimming lessons, I can swim. I did not take swimming lessons. Therefore, I cannot swim.

a) affirming the antecedent
b) denying the consequent
c) denying the antecedent
d) affirming the consequent

Answer 1

The error in this argument is denying the antecedent (c). Denying the antecedent does not guarantee the falsity of the consequent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The error in this argument is denying the antecedent (c).

The argument structure is as follows:

1. If I take swimming lessons, I can swim.
2. I did not take swimming lessons.
3. Therefore, I cannot swim.

In the denying the antecedent form, the argument denies the truth of the antecedent (I did not take swimming lessons) and concludes that the consequent is false (I cannot swim). However, denying the antecedent does not guarantee the falsity of the consequent. In this case, not taking swimming lessons does not necessarily mean that one cannot swim. There could be other factors or ways to learn how to swim.