Module Check: Logic and Inference
This module has taken you through the complete landscape of rigorous reasoning: from the anatomy of an argument through the precision of deductive logic, the reach of inductive and abductive inference, the traps of fallacies, the mathematics of Bayesian belief revision, the discipline of steelmanning, the critical evaluation of AI-generated arguments, and the craft of constructing arguments that survive scrutiny. This module check tests and integrates all of it. Move through the flashcard review first to surface any gaps, then answer each quiz honestly — the goal is accurate self-assessment, not point accumulation.
Key Terms Review
Flashcards — click each card to reveal the answer
Module Quizzes
An argument has this form: P1: All renewable energy sources are carbon-neutral. P2: Solar power is a renewable energy source. C: Solar power is carbon-neutral. A critic points out that manufacturing solar panels produces significant carbon emissions. Which assessment is correct?
A company's AI hiring tool was trained on resumes of successful hires from 2010 to 2020. It is now deployed to screen applicants in 2026. Which concept from this module most precisely describes the core risk?
A public health agency tests a population for a newly discovered pathogen. The test has 98% sensitivity and 5% false positive rate. The pathogen's true prevalence is 2%. A person tests positive. Approximately what is the probability they actually have the pathogen?
A speaker says: 'Senator Torres wants to reduce the defense budget by 8%. Clearly she wants to leave our troops without equipment and abandon our allies.' Which two fallacies are simultaneously present?
A student asks an AI to evaluate the argument that 'space exploration funding should be cut in favor of climate programs.' The AI produces a long response agreeing with this conclusion, citing several studies. What should the student do first before using this output?
Which statement best characterizes the relationship between steelmanning and intellectual progress?
Synthesis Activity
Full Module Synthesis: The Complete Toolkit
- This synthesis activity brings together every skill from the module. You will work in three phases.
- PHASE 1 — Argument Construction (10 minutes):
- Choose one of the following claims and construct the strongest possible argument for it using the full toolkit:
- Option A: 'AI systems should be required to disclose their uncertainty when making factual claims.'
- Option B: 'Standardized testing is a reliable measure of student learning.'
- Option C: 'The precautionary principle should govern the deployment of AI in medical diagnosis.'
- Your argument must include: a precisely stated conclusion, numbered premises with indicated evidence, a clearly identified inference type (deductive/inductive/abductive), at least one explicitly addressed objection, and an epistemic status statement.
- PHASE 2 — Steelmanning and Auditing (10 minutes):
- Exchange arguments with a partner. Your partner will:
- 1. Put your argument in standard form.
- 2. Steelman the opposing view — write the strongest counterargument.
- 3. Apply the fallacy checklist: are any formal or informal fallacies present?
- 4. Apply the validity and soundness tests.
- 5. Apply the Bayesian lens: given the evidence in the premises, how confident should we be in the conclusion?
- PHASE 3 — Revision and Reflection (5 minutes):
- Using your partner's analysis, revise your argument. Then write three sentences:
- 1. What was the weakest element of your original argument?
- 2. How did steelmanning the opposing view change your assessment of your own position?
- 3. What is the single most important logical skill you developed in this module, and where outside this class do you expect to use it most?