INTRODUCTORY LOGIC

Test 1, Form A
Introduction and Lessons 1–5 (52 points)
Name ___________________________________
1. What is logic? (3)
____________________________________________________________________
2. State the Law of Excluded Middle. (2)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. What is the primary difference between formal logic and informal logic? (3)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Problems 4-7: Write the letter corresponding to the type of definition in the blank next to its
description (1 each):
A. Lexical B. Precising C. Stipulative D. Theoretical E. Persuasive
4. A definition that reduces the vagueness of a term in a given situation. __________
5. A definition that removes ambiguity by giving an established meaning of a term. __________
6. A definition that is meant to influence one’s attitude about the term. __________
7. A definition that supplies the meaning of a new term. __________
8. Arrange these terms in order of decreasing extension: algebra, math, subject (2)
____________________________________________________________________
9. Arrange these terms in order of increasing intension: automobile, dragster, vehicle (2)
____________________________________________________________________
10. One method of defining terms is by genus and difference. Name two other methods of
defining terms, and then define the term “house” using each method. (7)
Genus and difference __________________________________________________
________________ __________________________________________________
________________ _________________________________________________

Problems 11-12: Fill in the blanks for the given term, identifying (a) a genus, (b) another species
under that genus, and (c) a species of the given term. (3 each)
11. lock a) _________________________
b) _________________________
c) _________________________
12. cake a) _________________________
b) _________________________
c) _________________________
13. Write out the six rules for defining terms by genus and difference. “A definition must…” (6)
rule 1 ______________________________________________________________
rule 2 ______________________________________________________________
rule 3 ______________________________________________________________
rule 4 ______________________________________________________________
rule 5 ______________________________________________________________
rule 6 ______________________________________________________________
Problems 14-17: Explain the primary error made by the given genus and difference definition.
(2 each)
14. clang: a cacophonous tintinnabulation.
____________________________________________________________________
15. bed: anything used as a bed.
____________________________________________________________________
16. truck: an automobile that is not a car.
____________________________________________________________________
17. victory: to defeat the opposition.
____________________________________________________________________
Problems 18-20: Define the given term by genus and difference definition. Do not break any
of the rules. (3 each)
18. stranger _____________________________________________________________
19. coin ________________________________________________________________
20. to reason _____________________________________________________________

1. Logic is defined as “the science and the art of reasoning well.” What is reasoning? (3)
____________________________________________________________________
2. State the Law of Noncontradiction. (2)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. e conclusions of inductive arguments are strong or weak. What type of argument has a
valid or invalid conclusion? (1) ____________________________________________
4. One of the purposes of lexical definitions is to eliminate ambiguity. What does it mean
that a word is ambiguous? (2)
____________________________________________________________________
5. What is the other purpose of lexical definitions besides “to remove ambiguity”? (2)
____________________________________________________________________
6. What is the purpose of precising definitions? (2)
____________________________________________________________________
7. Write a persuasive definition for the word summer from the point of view of a student at
the beginning of the school year. (2)
____________________________________________________________________
8. Arrange these terms in order of increasing extension: computer, device, laptop (2)
____________________________________________________________________
9. Arrange these terms in order of decreasing intension: bible, book, king james bible (2)
____________________________________________________________________
10. One method of defining terms is by genus and difference. Name two other methods of
defining terms, and then define the term “ball” using each method. (7)
Genus and difference __________________________________________________
________________ __________________________________________________
________________ __________________________________________________
Problems 11-12: Fill in the blanks for the given term, identifying (a) a genus, (b) another species
under that genus, and (c) a species of the given term. (3 each)
11. boat a) _________________________
b) _________________________
c) _________________________
12. flower a) _________________________
b) _________________________
c) _________________________
13. Write out the rules for defining terms by genus and difference. e first is done for you. (6)
rule 1 A definition must state the essential attributes of the term.
rule 2 ______________________________________________________________
rule 3 ______________________________________________________________
rule 4 ______________________________________________________________
rule 5 ______________________________________________________________
rule 6 ______________________________________________________________
Problems 14-17: Explain the primary error made by the given genus and difference definition.
(2 each)
14. child: a person who is as young as a child.
____________________________________________________________________
15. school: the place children gather in different rooms on weekdays, except during summer.
____________________________________________________________________
16. tiny: a very small thing.
____________________________________________________________________
17. planet: a celestial body that is not a moon, comet, or star.
____________________________________________________________________
Problems 18-20: Define the given term by genus and difference definition. Do not break any
of the rules. (3 each)
18. nightmare ____________________________________________________________
19. mask _______________________________________________________________
20. to spit _______________________________________________________________