Ch14 Complete Test Bank Worldviews, Critical Thinking, And

Test Bank, Chapter 14

Quiz questions set 1. True or False?

1. ^A cumulative argument is a type of deductive argument.
2. A cumulative argument is a type of inductive argument.
3. Arguments in the courtroom are often cumulative in nature.
4. The text argues that worldviews are best supported by cumulative arguments.
5. A worldview is also called a philosophy of life.
6. ^Everyone has a worldview; whether they realize it or not.
7. Critical thinking cannot be applied to a worldview because worldviews are too “big.”
8. The book argues that if you do not examine your own beliefs and values, then you are not really free.
9. The book argues that if you do not examine your own beliefs and values, then you are not truly self-directed.
10. ^The criteria we use to evaluate theories can also be used to evaluate worldviews.
11. If two worldviews both explain the same data, but one is simpler, the simpler worldview is preferable.
12. ^The simpler of any two worldviews is most likely true.
13. If a worldview is self-contradictory, it is rationally unacceptable.
14. Critical thinkers strive for a worldview that “feels” right.
15. Efficacy is one desirable feature of a worldview.
16. The standard of conservatism means judging a worldview on the basis of how well it comports with the platform of the Republican party.
17. Critical thinkers outsource responsibility for their beliefs and values.
18. According to the text, worldviews are chosen on the basis of feelings rather than reasoning.
19. ^Consistency is a desirable feature of a worldview.
20. Explanatory scope is a desirable feature of a worldview.
21. Background information plays a role when we evaluate a worldview.
22. According to the text, worldviews can be compared and evaluated on essentially the same criteria used in the evaluation of large scale scientific theories.

Quiz questions set 2. Multiple Choice. Choose the best answer. (Correct answers are marked with an asterisk.)

1. Which of the following is not necessarily a desirable feature of a worldview?
2. It is internally consistent.
3. It is externally consistent.
4. It has explanatory power.
5. It is comforting.
6. It has explanatory scope.
7. It satisfies the principle of simplicity.
8. It is conservative.
9. It is testable.
10. The text suggests that a worldview can be supported by
    1. a single sound deductive argument.
    2. a single strong inductive argument.
    3. a cumulative induction argument.
    4. faith in yourself.
11. The text suggests that worldviews
    1. cannot be supported by reason.
    2. ought to rest on reasons.
    3. are based ultimately on faith.
    4. ought to be rejected in favor of science

Quiz questions set 3. Suggestions for short answer questions.

1. The text argues that to the extent that you have not examined your beliefs you are not a self-directed person___.
2. A worldview is also called a philosophy of life__.
3. The text argues that to the extent that you have not examined your beliefs you are not truly free.
4. How does a critical thinker evaluate a worldview?
5. Describe your own worldview.
6. Identify and describe two worldviews that compete for people’s allegiance today.
7. In your own words, explain the general logical form of a cumulative argument.

Suggestions for Extra Projects

1. Take an inventory of your worldview. What are your most basic assumptions and values? How do your basic assumptions and values affect your life? How do you live them out? Did your inventory uncover any inconsistencies in your life?
2. How has your worldview changed since childhood? How do you think it will change in the years to come?
3. In your opinion, what are the two most common worldviews today? Compare and contrast the two views you choose. How do they differ? What do they have in common?
4. Do people have free will? Is free will required for moral responsibility? (This question is repeated from the previous chapter.) That is, if we do not have free will, would it follow that we are not morally responsible for what we choose and for what we do? Define your terms carefully. (What do you mean by free will? What do you mean by moral responsibility?) This question is an advanced exercise!