Question

Find the premises and conclusion in this argument. Is this argument inductive or deductive? Identify any fallacies.

Newspapers have been a mainstay of American life for two centuries. However, their very existence is being threatened by internet news sources. There is no substitute for newspapers as a local news source. Furthermore, for national issues, citizens need the investigative reporting of trained and independent newspaper journalists, rather than the biased opinions of internet bloggers.

a) Premises: Newspapers are threatened by internet sources, newspapers are essential for local news, citizens need investigative reporting. Conclusion: Internet bloggers provide biased opinions. Inductive. Fallacy: None.

b) Premises: Newspapers are threatened by internet sources, newspapers are essential for local and national news. Conclusion: Citizens need internet bloggers. Deductive. Fallacy: Hasty generalization.

c) Premises: Newspapers are a mainstay, newspapers are threatened by internet sources. Conclusion: Newspapers are no longer relevant. Inductive. Fallacy: Begging the question.

d) Premises: Newspapers are a mainstay, newspapers are threatened by internet sources. Conclusion: Internet bloggers are unreliable. Deductive. Fallacy: False cause.

Answer 1

The premises of the argument are that newspapers have been a mainstay of American life for two centuries and their existence is being threatened by internet news sources. The conclusion is that internet bloggers are unreliable.

Step-by-step explanation:

Premises and Conclusion:

The correct answer is option d) Premises: Newspapers are a mainstay, newspapers are threatened by internet sources. Conclusion: Internet bloggers are unreliable. The premises of the argument are that newspapers have been a mainstay of American life for two centuries and their existence is being threatened by internet news sources. The conclusion is that internet bloggers are unreliable.

Type of Argument:

The argument in this case is deductive because it uses a specific inference to reach its conclusion. If the premises are true, then the conclusion logically follows.

Fallacy:

The fallacy in this argument is a false cause fallacy, as it assumes that the decline of newspapers is the cause of internet bloggers being unreliable.