When people are angry, they are likely to raise their voices. Andreas yelled at Shannon; therefore, Andreas was probably angry with Shannon. The thinking or argumentation errors of _____ and _____ are being committed in this example.
A) belief perseverance; confirmation bias
B) belief bias; asserting the consequent
C) arguing from possibility; shifting the burden of proof
D) asserting the antecedent; drawing a sound conclusion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The thinking error of asserting the consequent is being committed in this example, as the argument structure follows the form: If A (person is angry), then B (they raise their voice); B (Andreas yelled at Shannon); therefore, A (Andreas was angry with Shannon). This is an invalid argument, as other emotions or situational factors could also cause someone to raise their voice without being angry. The thinking error of belief bias is not relevant in this example. The thinking errors of arguing from possibility and shifting the burden of proof are not being committed. The thinking error of asserting the antecedent is the incorrect form for this argument structure as it follows the form: If A (person is angry), then B (they raise their voice); A (Andreas was angry with Shannon); therefore, B (Andreas yelled at Shannon), which is not what the statement is saying. Drawing a sound conclusion is not a thinking error, but rather the ideal outcome of reasoning.

When People Are Angry, They Are Likely to Raise Their