Finding a contradiction in an argument shows that both statements cannot be true

Question

Finding a contradiction in an argument shows that both statements cannot be true, both might be false, and it is possible that only one can be true. a) True b) False

An expert may be biased, intentionally mislead, have conflicts of interest, may not be an expert in the field in question--all of these possibilities must be ruled out prior to accepting an expert as an expert. a) True b) False

Was this finding independently tested? Independently tested results are more credible than the initial findings of one study. a) True b) False

Self-contradictory statements means both cannot be true, both may be false, or one may be true and the other false. a) True b) False

Explanation / Answer

1. Finding a contradiction in an argument shows that both statements cannot be true, both might be false, and it is possible that only one can be true. a) True

Contradiction : can be stated as two statements that are opposite to one another such that if one is true, the other cannot be true. Hence the statement is true

2. An expert may be biased, intentionally mislead, have conflicts of interest, may not be an expert in the field in question--all of these possibilities must be ruled out prior to accepting an expert as an expert. a) True

In order to truly consider one as an expert, we need to acknowledge that any biases that might be affecting the person would be ruled out, along with putting absolute trust on the person’s ability to make a decision or give a judgement in that particular field. Only then can that person be accepted as an expert.

3. Was this finding independently tested? Independently tested results are more credible than the initial findings of one study. a) True

True, since if the new data is based on the older data, or after keeping the older data in mind there is a high chance that biases might influence the fidelity of the older data and results may be manipulated in order to match the same. Hence the statement is true.

4. Self-contradictory statements means both cannot be true, both may be false, or one may be true and the other false. a) True

Self contradictory statements are the ones in which the first part suggests evidences against the second part, hence contradicting itself. If the first part is true, the second part will be automatically negated.

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