Research shows that if Broca's area in the brain is damaged, then speech production will be disturbed. An elderly man named Toben was referred to a neurologist because he began mumbling and speaking in a slow, halting manner. The neurologist told Toben's family that damage to Broca's area was causing the disturbance in Toben's speech. The neurologist's conclusion is NOT sound because:
A) the argument is valid and the premises are true.
B) both of the argument's antecedents are true.
C) the argument involves asserting the consequent.
D) both of the argument's premises are not true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The argument involves asserting the consequent, which is a logical fallacy. The fact that Toben's speech is disturbed does not necessarily mean that Broca's area is damaged - there could be other causes for his speech difficulties. Therefore, the neurologist's conclusion cannot be considered sound based on this evidence alone.

Research Shows That If Broca's Area in the Brain Is